P.J. Fleck Sends Assistant Coach Packing

The Minnesota Gophers should have been better than their 7-5 finish this season. Still, P.J. Fleck pushed them to bowl eligibility, and they closed the regular season by retaining The Axe.

A major reason for the team’s inconsistency was the defense, specifically, the interior. Opposing offenses routinely gashed Minnesota up the middle, and any breakdown starts in the trenches.

Following the arrival of a truly special recruiting class, Fleck made a significant staff change that could shape the program’s future.

Gophers Dismiss Defensive Line Coach

Over the years P.J. Fleck has lost plenty of assistants to promotions elsewhere, something he’s often proud of, as it reflects their market value and desire for career growth. This season, Danny Collins replaced Corey Hetherman after Hetherman departed for Miami. But after what unfolded on the field, no one was going to come calling for Collins, and Fleck decided he didn’t want Dennis Dottin-Carter on staff either.

Sources: Minnesota dismissed defensive line coach Dennis Dottin-Carter. He’s was in his third season at Minnesota, the first two as a senior defensive analyst. He also coached defensive line at Yale, UConn and Maine. He worked at Delaware, including a stint as interim coach. pic.twitter.com/AnBqlaHTxE

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 5, 2025

Dottin-Carter, who previously worked as a defensive analyst, was promoted to defensive line coach this season. Although Minnesota recorded 35 sacks, good for ninth in the nation, the interior defensive line consistently struggled.

The Gophers allowed more than 122 rushing yards per game, and gave up 3.79 yards per carry. If there was one area opponents exploited repeatedly, it was up the middle.

With Drake Lindsey set to return as the starting quarterback next season, the Gophers need to take a step forward. Fleck briefly appeared to be a name to watch during the coaching carousel, but he’s staying in Minnesota and now must rebuild from within.

The Gophers still have a bowl game ahead of them, and they’ll do so with a new voice leading the defensive line. Fleck is a perfect 6-0 in bowl games as Minnesota’s head coach. If he wants that streak to continue, shoring up the interior defense and controlling the hashes will be essential.