Jeff Tedford, Huskies offensive consultant, officially hired as Fresno State head coach

After weeks of speculation, it was made it official on Thursday: Jeff Tedford, the former California head coach who spent this season as an offensive consultant for the Washington Huskies, will be the next head coach at Fresno State.

Tedford, 55, played quarterback at Fresno State and was an assistant there from 1992 to 1997. He won 82 games in 11 seasons (2002-2012) as Cal’s head coach, and joined UW’s staff this year as a consultant with a $50,000 salary.

"Jeff Tedford is a terrific coach and has been great for us and our staff,” UW coach Chris Petersen said in a statement. “There's no doubt he'll get Fresno State back to playing at a high level.”

A UW spokesperson said Tedford, who travels with the team and sits in the coaches’ box, will be in attendance for Saturday’s game against USC at Husky Stadium, but likely not for any games the rest of the season.

“I can't think of a better place to lead a group of young men onto the football field,” Tedford said in a statement. “Coming to Fresno State is coming home for myself and my family. To have this special opportunity to return to my coaching roots is truly a dream come true. Our mission will be to grow and develop young people to reach their full potential in all areas ... academically, athletically, socially and spiritually ... to complete at high levels in the classroom and on the field while doing so with great character and high integrity. I look forward to reconnecting with all the past players and supporters to help bring the program back to prominence.”

Here is the full release from Fresno State.

This story was originally published November 10, 2016 at 1:00 PM with the headline "Jeff Tedford, Huskies offensive consultant, officially hired as Fresno State head coach."