PJ Fleck Moves on From MN Gophers Assistant Coach
The Minnesota Gophers barely let the ink dry on their 2025 season before shifting their focus to 2026. P.J. Fleck didn’t exactly exceed expectations this year, but he did close the campaign with another bowl victory.
After promoting C.J. Robbins to defensive line coach, the Gophers hired Bobby April to oversee the rush ends. Not every offseason move, however, has been positive. Special teams coach Bob Ligashesky has been shown the door.
MN Gophers Say Goodbye to ST Coach Bob Ligashesky
Bob Ligashesky was hired as the Minnesota Gophers’ special teams coordinator in 2024 after holding the same position at Syracuse. Despite NFL experience on his resume, his two seasons in Minneapolis were a disappointment. Pioneer Press reporter Andy Greder reported that Ligashesky is no longer with the program.
News: #Gophers will not retain special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky for 2026 season, a source told @PioneerPress on Tuesday.
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) December 30, 2025
Context: Minnesota had some bright spots on those units — punter Tom Weston, returner Koi Perich — but lagged in other areas. Lig was at U since 2024
If Ligashesky wasn’t already on shaky ground entering the Rate Bowl, his unit’s performance there could have sealed his fate. Minnesota allowed New Mexico to run back a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown immediately after Darius Taylor’s score had given the Gophers an eight-point lead, tying the game at 14.
Brady Denaburg, a transfer from Syracuse, replaced Dragan Kesich at placekicker and converted just 66.7% of his field goal attempts. Kesich made 85.2% of his kicks in 2023, and even his 71.4% mark in 2024 was better than Denaburg’s output.
Special Teams Regression Proves Costly
Ligashesky can point to sophomore punter Tom Weston as a partial success, but even that comes with caveats. Weston led the Big Ten with 65 punts, averaging 42.6 yards per attempt, volume driven more by necessity than dominance.
Greder also noted Koi Perich as a bright spot, though his sophomore season reflected some regression. Perich’s punt return average dropped from 9.4 yards per return to just 6.6. While his kick return average improved from 19.6 yards to 26.3, the overall body of work suggested a less effective player in year two.
Minnesota must now fill another opening on Fleck’s coaching staff. In recent seasons, departures have often been driven by other programs poaching top assistants. This time, the turnover appears more reflective of necessary change than outside opportunity.
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