Fresno State Bulldogs sign Tim DeRuyter through 2018

Sep 20, 2013; Fresno, CA, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs head coach Tim DeRuyter points towards an official after a play against the Boise State Broncos in the fourth quarter at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Broncos 41-40. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Tim DeRuyter took over a stale Fresno State team in 2012, and led them to 20 wins and a pair of Mountain West championship in just 2 years. The Bulldogs administration has rewarded him for his efforts with a 5-year contract that increases from 1.4 to 1.6 million over the course of the deal.

DeRuyter was something of a surprise hire for the Bulldogs, who had become stagnant under longtime coach Pat Hill. DeRuyter had been a long-time and highly respected defensive coordinator at a number of stops, but had only one game as a head coach. He’s certainly proven that Fresno State knew what they were doing when they signed him.

This season could prove to be DeRuyter’s most challenging yet at the helm of the Bulldogs. While they return a ton of talent – one of the perks of recruiting in California – they are losing some key components, including quarterback Derek Carr, the driving force behind the team’s two conference championships.

The guaranteed part of the contract is an interesting addition, essentially meaning that should the Bulldogs let him go prior to end of the 5 years, he gets paid out. Of course, if he keeps knocking out Mountain West championships, he might be leaving on his own terms.