The Fresno State Bulldogs have made a significant move by hiring Matt Entz, the linebackers coach from the USC Trojans, as their new head coach. This decision not only marks a new chapter for Fresno State but also leaves a notable gap in the coaching staff at USC, putting Lincoln Riley in a challenging position as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Entz’s Impact at USC
Entz joined USC last season as part of Riley’s efforts to revamp the Trojans’ defense. His influence was palpable, as he, along with defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, played a crucial role in transforming the defense. The Trojans finished the season ranked 56th in scoring defense, allowing an average of 23.5 points per game—a significant improvement from the previous season, where they surrendered 34.4 points per game.
“Entz did a great job for us. He made us better, made me better,” Riley expressed. “He was a great hire, and a big part of, statistically, one of the most, if not the most, improved defense in the country. So, wish he and Brenda the best. They’ve been great Trojans, and excited for their next opportunity.”
Addressing the Coaching Change
During his Early Signing Day press conference, Riley addressed the implications of Entz’s departure. “It didn’t get finalized until here this morning,” he said. “It was one of those situations that came together pretty quickly, and so I don’t know if it’s fair to say that it did or didn’t complicate things with National Signing Day.”
Riley acknowledged the reality of college football: when you have a talented staff, opportunities arise for coaches to move on. “That’s just part of it. When you have a really good staff, you got really quality people on your staff, you’re gonna have guys that get opportunities and move on. And I think we’re happy for Coach Entz, first. College football head-coaching jobs are really, really hard to get, and I think it’s always a sign of a healthy program when programs are wanting to come in and hire your people, particularly in head-coaching roles.”
The Challenge Ahead for USC
The timing of this coaching change presents a unique challenge for Riley and the Trojans. With National Signing Day approaching and the Transfer Portal opening soon, managing the transition will be crucial. Filling the vacant linebackers coach position quickly is imperative to maintain momentum in recruiting and team cohesion.
“Yeah, I don’t know that I can sit here and say that we did or didn’t get somebody because of that today,” Riley noted. “But I think, part of our goal is to have a program, an offense, a defense, that goes beyond any one coach. That people know what they’re getting into here in terms of our culture, our systems that we have in place, and that they’re going to remain steadfast and never be tied directly to one person.”
This philosophy underscores the resilience of the USC program, emphasizing that while individual coaches may leave, the core values and systems remain intact.
Entz’s New Journey at Fresno State
Entz comes to Fresno State with a wealth of experience, particularly as a head coach at North Dakota State, where he led the team to two national championships and achieved a remarkable record of 60-11 over five seasons. His track record speaks volumes about his coaching capabilities, and he aims to elevate Fresno State into a consistent contender in the Mountain West Conference.
As he embarks on this new journey, the Bulldogs are looking for stability and success under his leadership. Will Entz be able to replicate his past successes and bring a new level of competitiveness to Fresno State? Only time will tell, but the excitement surrounding his appointment is palpable.
Looking Forward
As USC navigates this transition, the focus will be on finding a suitable replacement for Entz. The Trojans have set high expectations for the upcoming season, and maintaining a strong coaching staff will be essential for achieving those goals.
“Wish him the best, and again, I think it’s a compliment to our program and to those hires that we made 12 months ago at this time,” Riley concluded, reflecting on the positive impact Entz had on the team.
In the world of college football, change is constant, and while the departure of a key coach can be daunting, it also opens doors for new opportunities. With the right approach and swift action, USC can continue to build on its recent successes and remain a formidable force in the sport. The excitement of college football is in the air, and fans are eager to see how these developments unfold as the new season approaches.
