BREAKING: The Minnesota Gophers football program is undergoing significant coaching changes, with the announcement that longtime receivers coach Matt Simon will not return for the upcoming season. Sources confirm that Isaac Fruechte, a former standout wide receiver for the Gophers from 2012-2014, will take over the role.
Fruechte, who has served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at North Dakota since 2024, brings a wealth of experience to the Gophers. Notably, he had a brief playing stint with the Minnesota Vikings and has also coached at several institutions, including Winona State, Northern State, Northern Iowa, and Wisconsin-La Crosse.
In a further shake-up, the Gophers are set to hire Mo Ibrahim, a record-setting tailback who holds the University of Minnesota’s career rushing record of 4,668 yards. Ibrahim will replace Jayden Everett as the running backs coach after Everett’s departure to Wisconsin. Ibrahim previously coached for one year at Kent State.
Additionally, sources indicate that Daniel Da Prato will be brought in as the new special teams coordinator. Da Prato’s impressive track record includes leading a special teams unit that returned a kickoff for a touchdown during Minnesota’s 20-17 overtime victory against New Mexico in the Rate Bowl.
The Gophers are also expected to welcome Travis Moore as an assistant defensive line coach. Moore has been coaching defensive ends at Northern Illinois since 2019 and played alongside Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck in the early 2000s.
As the Gophers finalize their coaching staff, one key vacancy remains for the position of outside linebackers/nickel backs. The urgency surrounding these changes highlights the Gophers’ commitment to enhancing their program as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Stay tuned for more updates on these developments as the Gophers aim to build a stronger coaching foundation for future success.
