The Backstory Behind Tim Skipper and Kevin Coyle’s Partnership

The UCLA coaching tandem has deep roots stemming from Fresno State.

UCLA's interim head coach Tim Skipper celebrates after a Bruins touchdown against Michigan State during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The UCLA Bruins (3-4, 3-1 Big Ten) are in the middle of an unprecedented turnaround with a coaching staff filled with mentors and mentees.

Interim head coach Tim Skipper brought along Kevin Coyle, who was Skipper's defensive coordinator when he played in Fresno State. Promoted offensive play-caller Jerry Neuheisel is working with Noel Mazzone, who was Neuheisel's offensive coordinator when he stodd under center for the Bruins.

Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins interim head coach Tim Skipper (left) and new offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel (right) on the sideline during second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Skipper and Coyle's relationship dates back nearly 30 years, and the long-tenured coach detailed his backstory with the Bruins' lead man during Wednesday's media availability.

"Coach Skip, I knew him as a sawed-off middle linebacker that was actually, when I got to Fresno State in '97, he was our backup middle linebacker as I came in there that spring," Coyle said. "Our starter got hurt in a locker room accident where he hurt his knee...

"So Skip was elevated to the starting role as a freshman. Skip, when you put the uniform on him, wasn't your prototypical middle linebacker at about 5-9, about 205 pounds. But he was extremely smart and had a knack of finding the football and making plays. And he literally was a field general. He was the extension of our coaching staff on the field. Made all the calls, made the checks."

Nov 19, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Cincinnati Bengals secondaries coach Kevin Coyle before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Skipper was the bulldog's middle linebacker for the 1997-2000 seasons. Coyle praised his ability to learn and teach the defense effectively as a player, which is why he isn't surprised by his successful coaching career.

"When he got into coaching, which we kind of anticipated, I knew he was going to have a great career," Coyle said. "...I'm just happy for him because of what he stands for. The work ethic that he has. He's the player's coach. He's in it for the right reasons and trying to build up these young men and teach them a lot about life as well as the football game. And I think that's why we have a special bond between us."

Jul 29, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A detailed view of UCLA Bruins helmet during Pac-12 Media Day at Novo Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Coyle and Skipper look ahead to their biggest challenge yet, the No. 2-ranked Indiana Hoosiers on the road and in front of a national audience. The red-hot Bruins kick off against Indiana on FOX's Big Noon Kickoff at 12 p.m. ET.

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