Bert Watts named defensive coordinator

FRESNO, Calif. – Head football coach Jeff Tedford announced on Tuesday that Bert Watts will be promoted to defensive coordinator. Watts will fill the vacancy left by Orlondo Steinauer who departed on Feb. 22 for a return to the Canadian Football League.

"I have a lot of trust and confidence in Coach Watts as a member of our defensive staff and he will be the right person for the position," said Tedford about the move. "I was really excited about the progress of the defense last season and the familiarity with what we are doing and the players' familiarity with Bert will be great for our team's overall success."

Watts was initially hired by Tedford on Dec. 7, 2016 as the Bulldogs' assistant coach for the linebackers. Prior to joining Fresno State's staff, Watts was the defensive coordinator at UC Davis for four seasons.

In 2017, Fresno State's defense limited opponents to 17.9 points per game (10th-best in FBS), 113.4 yards per game rushing (11th-best in FBS) and 320.6 total yards per game (15th-best in FBS). The anchor for the Bulldogs' defense was in the middle, sophomore insider linebacker Jeffrey Allison who was one of 15 FBS players with 126 or more total tackles in 2017. Allison was named first-team All-Mountain West under Watts in his first season with the 'Dogs.

Watts' history with Tedford dates back to his playing days at Cal, and later as a graduate assistant there too.

Watts was the leading tackler (80) on Tedford's first Golden Bear football team in 2002 as a starting senior safety. Following his final season, the three-year letterman was the recipient of the team's Joe Roth Award, which is given to the player that exemplifies superior courage, attitude and sportsmanship.

The Basking Ridge, N.J. native continued his football career as a graduate assistant coach under Tedford during the 2004 and 2005 seasons - helping the team to a combined 18-6 mark, including a 10-2 season in 2004 that ended with a berth in the Holiday Bowl.

A search is now underway to fill Fresno State's vacancy for a linebackers coach left by Watts.

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160

Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateFB
Instagram: Fresno_State_Football
Facebook: FresnoStateAthletics

Bert Watts named defensive coordinator

Players Mentioned

Jeff Allison

Fresno State Athletics