This offseason, one constant for P.J. Fleck’s coaching staff with the Minnesota Gophers has been a focus on progress and improvement. Following a season marked by ups and downs, which concluded with a win in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, the 8-year head coach has seen several assistant coaches leave for other opportunities.
In January, defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman was hired by the Miami Hurricanes for the same position, along with a salary boost. The Gophers promoted defensive backs coach Danny Collins to fill his role. However, this wasn’t the only coaching change Minnesota has experienced this offseason.
Nic McKissic-Luke leaving Minnesota Gophers for NFL
Earlier this week, Fleck lost one of the most promising young defensive coaches in football — former University of Minnesota defensive lineman and D-line coach Winston DeLattiboudere. The 27-year-old assistant head coach was hired by the Arizona Cardinals.
Then on Friday, running backs coach Nic McKissic-Luke became the second Gophers coach to leave for the NFL, accepting a position with the New York Jets.
The Jets recently named Aaron Glenn as their new head coach, and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman is also involved with the organization. McKissic-Luke will aim to maximize the potential of running backs Breece Hall and former Wisconsin Badger Braelon Allen.
McKissic-Luke joined the Gophers coaching staff in January 2023 after his stint at Northern Illinois. Over the past two seasons, he helped running back Darius Taylor thrive. In 18 games, Taylor rushed for 1,785 yards and 15 touchdowns. As a sophomore in 2024, he also caught 54 passes for 350 yards and 2 touchdowns — a significant jump from just 11 receptions and 92 yards as a freshman.
Fleck’s coaching staff departures have largely been driven by pay raises and major promotions. It’s unclear where Fleck will look to replace McKissic-Luke. Gophers legend Mohamed Ibrahim recently took a coaching job at Kent State, so he likely won’t be considered for the position (pun intended).
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