Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
On Friday, the Minnesota Gophers squared off against the New Mexico Lobos in the Rate Bowl. They emerged victorious by scoring in 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.
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 OLB’s coach. With the Cardinal’s recent head coaching change however, April became available as new general manager Andrew Luck and the staff reshape the program.
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 multiple current NFL studs, Nick Herbig (Steelers), Zach Baun (Eagles), and Minnesota Vikings superstar Andrew Van Ginkel.
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. There’s even been a couple All-Pro linebackers under his tutelage in the NFL, during his time with the Jets (2014), and Bills (2015-16).
Defense Line going into 2026
Anthony Smith announced his decision to return in 2026 following the Rate Bowl. April will now have the opportunity to instill wisdom in the talented edge rusher that led the conference with 12.5 sacks this season.
The hiring of April III brings a new dynamic to P.J. Fleck’s staff. While C.J. Robbins’ promotion reflects the rise of a young, up and coming voice on the defense, April adds a been there, done that, perspective with years of high-level experience developing edge rushers.
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.
Mentioned in this article: Anthony Smith Bobby April
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