P.J. Fleck is making a notable addition to his Minnesota coaching staff, with Bobby April expected to take over as the Golden Gophers’ rush ends coach, replacing C.J. Robbins, who was recently promoted to defensive line coach.
April brings a wealth of experience to Minneapolis, most recently serving as Stanford’s defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach over the past three seasons. That dual role gave him a front-row seat to the evolving dynamics of modern college defenses, and his ability to develop edge talent should be a welcome asset for a Minnesota program looking to boost its pass rush.
Before his time at Stanford, April spent five seasons just across the Big Ten border at Wisconsin, coaching outside linebackers. His track record there speaks volumes-he played a key role in the development of future NFL starters like Andrew Van Ginkel, Nick Herbig, and Zach Baun.
That kind of résumé doesn't just happen by accident. April has shown he can identify talent, refine technique, and prepare players for the next level.
His coaching journey also includes six years in the NFL as an assistant, giving him a broader perspective that few college coaches can match. That pro-level insight, combined with his recent experience as a college coordinator, puts him in a unique position to elevate Minnesota’s edge play.
For defensive coordinator Danny Collins, who’s heading into his second year calling plays for the Gophers, April’s arrival could be a significant boost. With April’s coordinator background, he brings another sharp defensive mind into the room-someone who understands the bigger picture, not just his position group. That collaborative potential could help Minnesota tighten things up on the defensive side of the ball, especially when it comes to generating pressure and disrupting opposing quarterbacks.
In a Big Ten landscape that’s only getting tougher with each passing season, Fleck’s move to bring in a coach with April’s pedigree and versatility feels like a calculated step forward. The Gophers are looking to retool and reload, and Bobby April might just be the kind of hire that helps them do both.