P.J. Fleck discusses decision on Dennis Dottin-Carter's dismissal, bowl game coaching
On Friday, Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck made his first coaching change of the offseason when he fired defensive line coach Dennis Dottin-Carter.
It’s a move that to some was surprising, to others, not so much. But either way, the Golden Gophers will have a new leader next season, coaching the defensive ends and defensive tackles.
On Sunday, during a short press conference following Minnesota’s acceptance of a bid to the Rate Bowl, Fleck was asked about the departure of Dottin-Carter and who will be coaching the Gophers’ defensive line in preparation for their game on December 26.
“Coach Dott (Dennis Dottin-Carter) is a tremendous football coach and a really, really good person. ” Fleck said.
“Just felt like we needed to make a change in that position right now and leadership,” he continued. “Those are really difficult decisions to make. He’s done a tremendous job with our guys and life lessons.”
In his lone season as Minnesota’s defensive line coach, the Gophers defense finished top-10 in sacks nationally while also posting a top-40 run defense.
“I just felt like it was time that we needed to move in a different direction there,” he reiterated. “I wish him all the best. He did a tremendous job while he was here and gave his whole heart to our program. I am very thankful for him. As we continue to move in the future, we’re going to look for the best leader in that room.”
With the Dottin-Carter no longer part of the program, the Gophers’ defensive line in preparation for the bowl game will be coached by rush ends coach C.J. Robbins and Kevin Kane, who spent the regular season with the program’s nickelbacks and inside linebackers
This fall, Robbins oversaw the development of rush ends Karter Menz and Jaxon Howard, who combined for 9.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss.
“It will be a combination,” Fleck noted. “Coach CJ Robbins will be moving to the D-line, as well as Coach Kevin Kane. We’ll bring the whole D-line in together than really having them separate.”
With the development of Menz and Howard this offseason, Robbins will likely be a candidate for the defensive line opening.
The Gophers will take on the New Mexico Lobos on December 26 at 2:30 p.m. CT with the game televised nationally on ESPN.
