The Gophers football program is expected to hire Stanford defensive coordinator Bobby April III to be the U’s new rush ends coach, a source told PioneerPress on Saturday.
April has been at Stanford for three seasons, where he also served as outside linebackers coach. From 2018-22, he was at Wisconsin, where his coaching helped put three guys in NFL: Andrew Van Ginkel (Vikings), Nick Herbig (Steelers) and Zach Baun (Eagles).
Stanford, which is going through a head coaching change to Tavita Pritchard, had the 28th-ranked rushing defense in the nation in 2025. The Cardinal’s scoring defense and total defense were program-bests since 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Before Wisconsin, April was in the NFL for six seasons, with the Bills, Jets and Eagles. His father, Bobby April Jr., was a longtime coach in the NFL.
April fills the role vacated by C.J. Robbins, who is being elevated into the Gophers’ full defensive line coach position.
Related Articles
While other programs tampered, Anthony Smith announces his return to Gophers for 2026
Gophers score walk-off win in Rate Bowl, 20-17 over New Mexico
Gophers receiver Jalen Smith steps up in Rate Bowl win
Gophers football vs. New Mexico: Keys to game, how to watch, who has edge
Gophers leaders chime in on tenuous future of bowl games
Leave a Reply