After giving up at least 41 points in losing efforts for the third straight week, Fresno State football announced that defensive coordinator Randy Stewart has decided to step down effective immediately.

The Bulldogs traveled to New Mexico State over the weekend and were dropped in a shootout, 48-45, eliminating Fresno State’s chances at receiving a bowl bid.

“[Sunday], Randy Stewart has decided to step down as defensive coordinator at Fresno State,” Pat Hill said in a statement. “Together, we looked at our defense over the past year and a half and he said we were making progress, but it was not going as we had hoped over the past four weeks and a change was needed.”

Fresno State currently ranks last in the Western Athletic Conference in scoring defense, giving up an average of 37.4 points per game. The Bulldogs also rank 103 out of 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in total defense.

“Randy will remain an assistant until his contract terminates, helping in recruiting and film breakdown of upcoming opponents … Starting [Sunday], Tim Skipper will take over the duties of defensive coordinator. I feel Tim is one of the truly fine and upcoming coaches in our game,” Hill said.