Fresno State's Defensive Staff Returns for Second Season

Bulldogs' defense led by coordinator Nick Benedetto as team embraces spring practice

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:19pm

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Fresno State football practice or game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the team's uniforms and the playing surface.Fresno State's defensive coaching staff returns intact, aiming to build on last season's progress through the team's spring practice sessions.Fresno Today

Fresno State's defensive coaching staff, led by coordinator Nick Benedetto, will return intact for the second season under head coach Matt Entz. The Bulldogs are currently in spring practice, providing an opportunity for the entire team to get valuable reps.

Why it matters

Continuity on the defensive coaching staff is crucial for Fresno State as they look to build on their performance from last season. Keeping the same system and personnel allows the players to further develop within the scheme and build chemistry.

The details

Fresno State's defense, coordinated by Nick Benedetto, will return all of its coaches for the 2026 season, the second under head coach Matt Entz. This stability on the defensive side of the ball will be key as the Bulldogs embrace spring practice and provide reps for the entire team.

  • Fresno State is currently in spring practice.

The players

Matt Entz

The head coach of the Fresno State Bulldogs football team.

Nick Benedetto

The defensive coordinator for the Fresno State Bulldogs football team.

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The takeaway

Maintaining the same defensive coaching staff and system will allow the Fresno State Bulldogs to build on their performance from last season and continue developing their players within a familiar scheme.