In a move that’s sure to raise eyebrows on both sides of the border, the Minnesota Golden Gophers have added a familiar - and formidable - name to their coaching staff. Bobby April III, a key figure in building Wisconsin’s feared pass rush over the past decade, is heading to Minneapolis as the Gophers’ new rush ends coach.
Let’s break down what this hire means, not just for Minnesota, but for the broader Big Ten defensive landscape.
Bobby April III Joins Minnesota as Rush Ends Coach
April isn’t just another assistant - he’s a proven developer of edge talent. During his time at Wisconsin from 2018 to 2022, working under former defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, April helped mold some of the most disruptive outside linebackers in recent Badger history.
Think Andrew Van Ginkel, Zack Baun, and Nick Herbig - all now playing on Sundays. That’s not a coincidence.
April had a hand in turning raw athleticism into NFL-ready production.
His tenure in Madison coincided with Wisconsin’s rise as one of the nation’s most consistently stingy defenses, particularly in getting after the quarterback. April’s units were aggressive, disciplined, and relentless off the edge - a blueprint Minnesota now hopes to replicate.
A Rocky Stop at Stanford
After Wisconsin’s coaching overhaul in the wake of Luke Fickell’s hiring, April took his talents west to Stanford, where he served as defensive coordinator for the past three seasons. It was a tough assignment.
Stanford’s defense struggled mightily, finishing 132nd, 116th, and 98th nationally in total defense during his time there. The team’s overall records - 3-9 in each of his first two years and 4-8 in 2025 - reflect the challenges of a full rebuild in a shifting Pac-12 landscape.
Still, context matters. April wasn’t working with the same level of talent he had in Madison. And while the results weren’t what anyone hoped for, the experience of running an entire defense - with all the schematic and personnel demands that come with it - adds another layer to his coaching résumé.
What This Means for the Gophers
April steps into a role previously held by C.J. Robbins, who was promoted to full-time defensive line coach earlier this offseason.
He inherits a Minnesota defense that quietly put together a solid 2025 campaign, finishing 34th in total defense and 51st in scoring defense. But the real headline?
The Gophers were tied for seventh nationally in total sacks with 39 - averaging three per game.
That’s a number April will be expected to not just maintain, but build on.
And he’ll have a major weapon to work with in Anthony Smith. The rising star defensive end led the Big Ten with 12.5 sacks in 2025 and is returning for another season. With April’s track record of maximizing edge talent, Smith could be in for an even bigger year - and maybe even a draft stock boost.
The Bigger Picture
This hire isn’t just about one position group. It’s a signal that P.J. Fleck and Minnesota are serious about keeping their defense among the Big Ten’s best, even as the conference undergoes massive change with new teams and new challenges.
It also adds a little extra spice to the border battle with Wisconsin. April knows the Badgers’ system inside and out, and while schemes evolve, that institutional knowledge could give the Gophers a subtle edge when the rivalry renews.
For Wisconsin fans, it’s a tough pill to swallow. One of their former architects of chaos is now wearing maroon and gold. But for Minnesota, it’s a savvy pickup - one that could pay dividends on third-and-long come fall Saturdays.