### Tim Skipper's Journey: From Interim Coach to Head Coach at Cal Poly - Tim Skipper has transitioned from being the interim head coach at UCLA to securing a permanent head coaching position at Cal Poly, signing a five-year contract. This move comes after a challenging season with the Bruins, where he managed to lead the team to a 3-6 record following the firing of DeShaun Foster. Skipper's emotional farewell during the USC game highlighted his dedication and the challenges he faced while reviving a struggling program [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/tim_skipper_lands_head_coaching_job/s1_16856_43158844][https://abc30.com/post/former-fresno-state-coach-player-tim-skipper-hired-cal-poly/18247385]. ### Overview of Tim Skipper's Coaching Career and New Role 1. **Background and Previous Experience** - Skipper previously served as the interim head coach at Fresno State, where he led the team to a bowl game, showcasing his ability to turn around struggling programs [https://www.freedom969.com/national-sports/cal-poly-hires-former-ucla-interim-coach-tim-skipper]. - His tenure at UCLA began after the dismissal of DeShaun Foster, where he took over a team facing significant challenges [https://apnews.com/article/cal-poly-tim-skipper-ucla-40835d5b426abc14f5d75939b8ad6273]. 2. **Achievements at UCLA** - Under Skipper's leadership, the Bruins achieved a mid-season win streak, including notable victories against ranked teams like Penn State and Michigan State [https://www.freedom969.com/national-sports/cal-poly-hires-former-ucla-interim-coach-tim-skipper]. - Despite finishing the season with a 3-6 record, his ability to inspire and motivate the team was evident, particularly during emotional moments on the field [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/tim_skipper_lands_head_coaching_job/s1_16856_43158844]. 3. **New Role at Cal Poly** - Skipper's hiring at Cal Poly marks a significant step in his career, allowing him to lead a program without the interim label. He replaces Paul Wulff, who had a disappointing record of 10-24 over two seasons [https://apnews.com/article/cal-poly-tim-skipper-ucla-40835d5b426abc14f5d75939b8ad6273]. - His contract with Cal Poly is a five-year deal, indicating the school's commitment to his vision for the program [https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/california/cal-poly-hires-ucla-interim-coach-tim-skipper-as-next-head-coach]. ### Evidence of Skipper's Impact and Future Prospects - **Coaching Record and Performance Metrics** - At UCLA, Skipper's record was 3-6, with significant wins that showcased his potential as a head coach [https://apnews.com/article/cal-poly-tim-skipper-ucla-40835d5b426abc14f5d75939b8ad6273]. - His previous experience at Fresno State, where he led the team to a bowl game, adds to his credibility as a capable leader [https://www.freedom969.com/national-sports/cal-poly-hires-former-ucla-interim-coach-tim-skipper]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Tim Skipper at Cal Poly 1. **Transition to Head Coach** - Tim Skipper's move to Cal Poly represents a significant opportunity for him to establish a long-term coaching legacy, free from interim constraints. 2. **Expectations and Goals** - With a five-year contract, Skipper is expected to revitalize the Mustangs' football program, building on his previous successes and experiences. 3. **Future Outlook** - The hiring of Skipper is seen as a positive step for Cal Poly, aiming to improve their competitive standing in college football under his leadership [https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/california/cal-poly-hires-ucla-interim-coach-tim-skipper-as-next-head-coach].