Minnesota Gophers Have a New Coach You Might Recognize

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Mo Ibrahim, Minnesota Gophers
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The last time Minnesota Gophers fans saw former running back legend Mo Ibrahim he was getting a quick cameo with the Minnesota Vikings. Now it seems he is ready to hang up his cleats, and not surprisingly he’d like to coach the next version of himself for his alma mater.

Mohamed Ibrahim joins the Minnesota Gophers coaching staff

The Minnesota Gophers have a lengthy history of strong running backs, unquestionably none have ever been as decorated as Mo Ibrahim. After six years in college he joined the P.J. Fleck Show and said, “I’m just happy to be on here.” When Fleck was asked why Ibrahim was actually in the building, he revealed it isn’t just to do with the show.

“Coach Mo. Yep, he’s been helping out our running backs and it’s really good to have him in the building. You get a lot of your former players that come back and want to be coaches. We know he still has that NFL dream that he’s doing and we hope that works out for him. I know he really wants to coach so being able to get in here and have that experience of being a coach at this level. He’s going to be so successful in whatever he decides to do. I know he’s got that coaching itch and we’re not going to talk him out of it because I think he’s going to be a real special one.”

P.J. Fleck on Mo Ibrahim helping the Gophers coaching staff (Fox 9)

As Fleck alluded to, Ibrahim would still like to be playing on Sundays. He racked up nearly 4,688 rushing yards in his Dinkytown career, a Minnesota Gophers school record. Remember, there have been some legendary running backs who have worn maroon and gold. His 53 rushing touchdowns, another gaudy statistic, is also a program record.

Transitioning into coaching, but staying ready just in case

Ibrahim dealt with injuries throughout college. Those injuries, combined with an additional season of eligibility due to COVID shutdowns in 2020, means age (26 y/o) isn’t on his side. But in the event an NFL team does come calling, Ibrahim is staying ready.

“I’m in the coaching lifestyle right now. I’m here all day, around the building, having fun. I’m still in the playbook, still learning plays. I’m still in that football mindset just waiting on that call.”

Mo Ibrahim on his current mindset with football (Fox 9)

In the Vikings final preseason game, the Gophers legend carried the ball four times for 16 yards, in purple. Ibrahim is unlikely to get another NFL shot, at this point, so it’s very possible Mo’s new coaching job with his alma mater becomes more of a permanent gig.

Mohamed Ibrahim got into one NFL game last year, with the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately, teams have been hesitant to give him any real run. If the end of his playing career is actually here, there are few better players for Darius Taylor to learn from than our guy, Mo.

Related: What We Learned About the Gophers in Week 3 Stomping of Nevada

Iowa comes to Huntington Bank Stadium on Saturday night for a rivalry game with the Gophers. P.J. Fleck brought in a couple of running back transfers, and each can learn something from Ibrahim. Marcus Major started the year with Taylor on the shelf. He has continued to rotate in and the former Sooners product looks like a solid back.

For the Gophers to win on Saturday they will need to control the pace. Max Brosmer gives Fleck an opportunity to use a quarterback of the caliber he has not previously had. You can bet the running game will look to provide plenty of the heavy lifting.

Related: Minnesota Gophers Legend Should See His Role in LA Expand Big Time

Minnesota enters conference play with a 2-1 record. The North Carolina loss was largely self-inflicted and the Gophers are looking to make noise in the newly-constructed Big Ten.

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