The Tim DeRuyter era is set to begin sometime this week for the Fresno State football program.

Multiple sources have reported DeRuyter will be named the 17th head coach in school history, and it could be made official as early as Wednesday.

DeRuyter's specialty is defense.

And if you look at his track record, the Bulldogs defense will improve under him.

DeRuyter turned Air Force into a top 15 defense in the nation in 2009.

He also improved Ohio's and Texas A&M's defenses statistically as well.

DeRuyter was reportedly on Fresno State's campus today with Athletics Director Thomas Boeh.

The two reportedly knew each other when they were both at Ohio.

Former Bulldog Lorenzo Neal, a 16 year NFL veteran and big supporter of the Fresno State program, is not happy with the hiring process the Bulldogs used to bring DeRuyter on board.

This is Neal during his playing days here in the early 90's.

Neal says a handful of coaches with local ties, including Kelly Skipper, JD Williams and Jethro Franklin, who all played for Fresno State, didn't even get a phone call from the school after they all said they were interested in the job.

LORENZO NEAL: I’m talking about alumni from Fresno state who know the valley, that recruited the valley – I’m saying these guys should definitely have an opportunity to at least present their case – you’ve got to be very very careful on your hire because you can have your fans say wow – why weren’t these men given the opportunity – they know what we want – they speak the same type of language – they know what we’re about in the

Then there's Jim McElwain, who many wanted to see get the Fresno State job.

He's the new head coach at Colorado State instead, and was asked why he didn't take the Memphis or Fresno State jobs.

McElwain ducked the question just a bit.

JIM MCELWAIN: those are great places and had wonderful things to offer - but I know this - i'm excited to be a ram and that's the one great thing about this place.