.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
Photo by: Brad Rempel
Rossi Receives Contract Extension
12/13/2021 9:00:00 AM | Football
Minnesota is 25-11 with Rossi as defensive coordinator
University of Minnesota defensive coordinator Joe Rossi has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Minnesota into 2024. The contract is pending approval of the Board of Regents.
Joe Rossi was named interim defensive coordinator on Nov. 4, 2018, and then had the interim title removed on Nov. 24, 2018. Minnesota is 25-11 with Rossi leading the defense.
Rossi coordinated one of the best defenses in the nation in 2021, as the Gophers ended the regular season as the No. 4 ranked unit in total yards allowed per game at 284.8. That was the lowest in school history since Minnesota allowed only 225.1 yards per game in 1966.
Minnesota also ended the season with the ninth ranked scoring defense in the country as the unit yielded only 18.2 points per game. That is the lowest in school history since 1999 when Minnesota allowed only 16.3 points per game.
In 2021, Minnesota also ranked tied for third in first downs defense (187) and was ninth in rushing defense (100.2 yards per game) and fourth down conversion percentage defense (35.3%). The Gophers ended the season ranked tenth in passing yards allowed (184.7) and 26th in team passing efficiency defense (120.90).
The Gophers have held each of their last six opponents under 300 yards of total offense, the longest active streak in the nation. On the season they've held eight teams below that number.
Minnesota shut out Colorado 30-0 earlier this year on the road. The Gophers held the Buffaloes to -19 yards rushing as they posted their first road shut out against a power five team since they won 21-0 at Illinois in 1977.
Minnesota's defense, which had five All-Big Ten performers this year, will next take the field on Dec. 28 against West Virginia in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix.
Joe Rossi was named interim defensive coordinator on Nov. 4, 2018, and then had the interim title removed on Nov. 24, 2018. Minnesota is 25-11 with Rossi leading the defense.
Rossi coordinated one of the best defenses in the nation in 2021, as the Gophers ended the regular season as the No. 4 ranked unit in total yards allowed per game at 284.8. That was the lowest in school history since Minnesota allowed only 225.1 yards per game in 1966.
Minnesota also ended the season with the ninth ranked scoring defense in the country as the unit yielded only 18.2 points per game. That is the lowest in school history since 1999 when Minnesota allowed only 16.3 points per game.
In 2021, Minnesota also ranked tied for third in first downs defense (187) and was ninth in rushing defense (100.2 yards per game) and fourth down conversion percentage defense (35.3%). The Gophers ended the season ranked tenth in passing yards allowed (184.7) and 26th in team passing efficiency defense (120.90).
The Gophers have held each of their last six opponents under 300 yards of total offense, the longest active streak in the nation. On the season they've held eight teams below that number.
Minnesota shut out Colorado 30-0 earlier this year on the road. The Gophers held the Buffaloes to -19 yards rushing as they posted their first road shut out against a power five team since they won 21-0 at Illinois in 1977.
Minnesota's defense, which had five All-Big Ten performers this year, will next take the field on Dec. 28 against West Virginia in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix.
Rate Bowl Postgame Press Conference
Friday, December 26
Jalen Smith's Overtime Gamewinner
Friday, December 26
Highlights: Gophers 20, New Mexico 17
Friday, December 26
Gophers Arrive at Chase Field
Friday, December 26