Gophers Football Announces Coaching Changes: Fruechte, Ibrahim Join Staff

BREAKING NEWS: The Minnesota Gophers football program is undergoing significant coaching changes as it prepares for the upcoming season. Longtime receivers coach Matt Simon will not return, with Isaac Fruechte stepping in as his replacement, according to sources from the Pioneer Press.

Fruechte, a native of Caledonia, Minnesota, previously starred as a wide receiver for the Gophers from 2012 to 2014 and has been serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for North Dakota since 2024. His appointment marks a new chapter for the Gophers as they look to rejuvenate their offensive strategy.

In addition to Fruechte, the Gophers are set to welcome back former standout running back Mo Ibrahim to fill the role of running backs coach. Ibrahim, who holds the Gophers’ career rushing record of 4,668 yards, previously coached at Kent State for one season. He takes over for Jayden Everett, who has moved to Wisconsin.

The Gophers are also finalizing the hiring of Daniel Da Prato as the new special teams coordinator. Da Prato previously held the same position at New Mexico, where his unit achieved a remarkable 100-yard kickoff return touchdown during a 20-17 overtime victory against Minnesota in the Rate Bowl.

Additionally, Travis Moore will join the coaching staff 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.

The Gophers currently have one remaining vacancy for an outside linebackers/nickel backs coach. Simon, who has been a part of Fleck’s coaching staff for over a decade, dating back to their time at Western Michigan in 2014, has been instrumental in shaping the team’s offensive tactics.

As the Gophers move forward with these changes, fans are eagerly anticipating how these new appointments will impact the program ahead of the forthcoming season. Stay tuned for more developments as the Gophers continue to refine their coaching staff and strategy.