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Gophers Hire Edge Coach Who Developed Vikings Star Andrew Van Ginkel
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- Gophers Hire Edge Coach Who Developed Vikings Star Andrew Van Ginkel
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On Friday the Minnesota Gophers squared off against the New Mexico Lobos in the Rate Bowl . They emerged victorious after needing overtime to clinch the victory . Just before the contest there was some coaching news that leaked out, too.
After dismissing defensive line coach Dennis Dottin-Carter earlier this month, P.J. Fleck promoted rush ends coach C.J. Robbins to fill the vacancy on the interior D-line. That move created an opening at rush ends, and the Gophers have now landed their replacement.
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Bobby April headed to Minnesota Gophers
It's still December, but the Gophers have reportedly landed their choice to replace Robbins as rush ends coach, in Bobby April III. He most recently served as Stanford's defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach, but with the Cardinal's recent head coaching change to Tavita Pritchard, April became available as new general manager Andrew Luck and the staff reshape the program.
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News: #Gophers are expected to hire Stanford defensive coordinator Bobby April as its new rush ends coach, a source told @PioneerPress on Saturday.
Context: At Wisconsin, April helped put a few guys in NFL: Nick Herbig ( Steelers ), Andrew Van Ginkel ( Vikings ), Zach Baun (Eagles).— Andy Greder (@andygreder) December 27, 2025
Pioneer Press journalist Andy Greder has reported that April will become the Minnesota Gophers next Rush Ends Coach. While at Big Ten rival Wisconsin, April helped to jumpstart the career of Minnesota Vikings superstar Andrew Van Ginkel.
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Now in his seventh NFL season, Van Ginkel made his first Pro Bowl last year with the Vikings. He dealt with a neck injury earlier this year, but still has seven sacks after racking up a career-high 11.5 in 2024 .
Stanford was just 4-8 this past season. Allowing more than 408 yards per game, the Cardinal finished 105th (of 134) FBS teams . April is clearly taking a step backwards after being a defensive coordinator, but focusing on a single position could serve him well.
April is 72 years old and has been coaching since 1976. He started at the collegiate level as a graduate assistant with Southern Miss in 1978. He has always been an assistant or position leader, but has coached in the NFL ranks as well.
Anthony Smith announced his decision to return in 2026 following the Rate Bowl. April will get to instill wisdom into the talented edge rusher that led the conference with 12.5 sacks this season .
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Fleck brings a different dynamic to the Minnesota Gophers staff in hiring April. Robbins being promoted is reflective of a young, up-and-coming voice. April represents a been-there-done-that type with a wealth of knowledge.
With the Rate Bowl behind them, the MN Gophers now turn their focus to the 2026 season . An impressive recruiting class and strong group of returning talent could make them formidable in the Big Ten.
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