C.J. Robbins Set to Step Up as Gophers’ Defensive Line Coach Ahead of Rate Bowl
The Minnesota Gophers are expected to promote from within once again - and this time, it’s C.J. Robbins who’s in line for a bigger role. Robbins, who’s been working with the team’s rush ends since February, is poised to take over as the new defensive line coach, stepping into the role vacated by Dennis Dottin-Carter earlier this month.
This move fits a familiar pattern under head coach P.J. Fleck, who’s built a reputation for developing his staff just as much as his players. Robbins has already been serving as the acting defensive line coach in the lead-up to Friday’s Rate Bowl matchup against New Mexico at Chase Field, and all signs point to that interim tag becoming permanent.
Robbins brings a strong mix of familiarity with the program and a growing résumé in the coaching ranks. He got his start with the Gophers as a graduate assistant back in 2020 and 2021, before moving on to full-time positions at South Dakota, Kent State, and most recently a brief stint at Central Michigan. As a former Northwestern Wildcat and team captain, Robbins brings Big Ten experience from his playing days, logging 40 games, 62 tackles, and three sacks between 2013 and 2016.
With Robbins likely stepping into the D-line coach role, Minnesota will now turn its attention to filling his current position. The staff is expected to look outside the program for a new rush ends coach. That’s not the only vacancy Fleck and company are working to fill - the departure of Kevin Kane, who left to become Purdue’s defensive coordinator, has left an opening at outside linebackers and nickels.
This kind of internal promotion is nothing new in Dinkytown. Fleck has consistently shown trust in his staff, giving rising assistants a chance to grow within the program.
Just look at the recent path of Danny Collins, who went from safeties coach to defensive coordinator for the upcoming season. Or Mariano Sori-Marin, the former Gopher linebacker who’s climbed the coaching ladder from analyst in 2023 to full linebackers coach in 2025.
For Robbins, the potential promotion is the next step in a career that’s been steadily building momentum. And for the Gophers, it’s another example of Fleck’s commitment to continuity and development - not just on the field, but on the sidelines too.