University of Minnesota Athletics
Staff Directory
Callahan, Brian
Brian Callahan
- Title:
- Offensive Line / Run Game Coordinator
NOTABLE:Â
ALL BIG TEN PERFORMERS MENTORED BY COACH CALLAHAN:Â
First Team: John Michael Schmitz, 2022 (coaches, media), Daniel Faalele, 2021 (coaches), Blaise Andries, 2021 (media)
Second Team: Aireontae Ersery, 2023 (coaches, media), John Michael Schmitz, 2021 (coaches)Â
Third Team: Chuck Filiaga, 2022 (coaches), Axel Ruschmeyer, 2022 (coaches, media), Daniel Faalele, 2021 (media), John Michael Schmitz, 2021 (media), Connor Olson, 2021 (coaches), Connor Olson, 2020 (media), Blaise Andries, 2021 (coaches), Blaise Andries, 2020 (media), Blaise Andries, 2019 (coaches, media)Â
BIOGRAPHY:Â
Brian Callahan joined the University of Minnesota staff in January 2017. He coached the tight ends during the 2017 season, but was named Offensive Line Coach prior to spring practice in 2018. In March 2019, he added the title Run Game Coordinator to his resume.Â
Prior to coaching tight ends at Minnesota, Callahan had coached offensive line since 2001. Callahan came to Minnesota from Western Michigan, where he coached the offensive line from 2013-17.
In 2023, Callahan broke in three new starters on the offense line in center Nathan Boe and guards Tyler Cooper and Martes Lewis. That trio joined returning starters left tackle Aireontae Ersery and right tackle Quinn Carroll. That unit blocked for an offense that rushed for 2,264 yards and 13 touchdowns and one that threw for 1,864 and 16 touchdowns. Ersery was named Second Team All-Big Ten and was PFF's highest graded Big Ten offensive lineman and had the highest run-blocking grade. Carroll and Boe (Minnesota's Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner) were recognized as Honorable Mention All-Big Ten. Callahan also mixed in Prior Lake, Minn., true freshman Greg Johnson at guard and he performed admirably.Â
The 2022 season featured an offensive line anchored by center John Michael Schmitz, who was a Rimington Trophy finalist, First Team All-American and Academic All-American. Schmitz and his mates - who were named to the Midseason Honor Roll for the Joe Moore Award (given to the nation's most outstanding offensive line) - paved the way for Minnesota to win nine games and helped running back Mohamed Ibrahim set program records for career rushing yards (4,668) and touchdowns (53). They also blocked for Tanner Morgan, who ended his career as Minnesota's all-time winningest quarterback with 33 career wins.   Â
Schmitz, who was Minnesota's male recipient of the Big Ten Medal of Honor, was taken in the 2023 NFL Draft with the 57th overall pick by the New York Giants. He was the highest Minnesota center to be drafted since 1989 when Brian Williams was taken 18th in the first round by the Giants. Schmitz was the third Minnesota center ever to be drafted in the first two rounds, joining Williams and Clayton Tonnemaker who was drafted fourth overall by the Packers in 1950.Â
Schmitz's selection was also notable in that Minnesota had offensive lineman taken in consecutive drafts, as Daniel Faalele was drafted in 2022 in the fourth round by Baltimore. The last time Minnesota had offensive lineman selected in consecutive drafts was 2001-2002 (center Ben Hamilton was taken in the fourth round in 2001 by Denver and tackle Adam Haayer was drafted in sixth round by Tennessee, while Matt Anderle was drafted in the sixth round in 2002 by San Diego).Â
The 2021 season showcased the strength of Minnesota's dominant offensive line, as all five of Minnesota's starting offensive lineman were recognized with All-Big Ten honors, including Daniel Faalele and Blaise Andries earning First Team distinction.Â
As injuries mounted up for Minnesota's running backs, the Gophers had five different individuals run for 100 yards in 2021 behind the bruising line, which is something that had not happened at Minnesota since 1932. The Gophers were the only FBS team to have five different individuals reach 100 yards.Â
The 2022 NFL Draft saw All-Big Ten First Teamer Daniel Faalele drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravnes. He was the first Gopher offensive lineman to be drafted since 2006 when both Greg Eslinger and Mark Setterstrom were selected.Â
In 2020, four Minnesota offensive lineman were named All-Big Ten in Blaise Andries (Third Team), Conner Olson (Third Team), Sam Schlueter (Honorable Mention) and John Michael Schmitz (Honorable Mention). That unit blocked for the prolific Ibrahim, who set school records in season rushing yards per game (153.7), consecutive 100-yard rushing games (8) and touchdowns in consecutive games (8). Ibrahim tied school records in most rushing touchdowns in a game (4), most rushing touchdowns in a first half (4), most rushing touchdowns in one half (4) and consecutive 200-yard rushing games (2).Â
In 2019, Minnesota's line - which did not have a senior on it - blocked for an offense that totaled 5,616 yards (third most in school history), 3,293 passing yards (school record), 294 first downs (second most in school history), 443 points (second most in school history) and a scoring average of 34.1 points per game (third most in school history). In addition, the Gophers ran for 2,323 yards and 25 touchdowns, reaching those numbers for only the tenth time since 1955.Â
Minnesota had five offensive linemen recognized by the Big Ten. Blaise Andries was named All-Big Ten Third Team, while Curtis Dunlap, Daniel Faalele, Conner Olson and Sam Schlueter were all named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.Â
In 2018, Callahan coached an offensive line that routinely started three underclassmen. However, his unit rarely showed its youth, as it blocked for an offense that averaged 28.9 points per game and one that rushed for 23 touchdowns and threw for 20 touchdowns (first time since 2006 that Minnesota reached 20 passing and rushing touchdowns in a season). Lineman Donnell Green, Blaise Andries, Daniel Faalele, Conner Olson and Jared Weyler were all named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.Â
In 2017, Minnesota's tight ends combined to catch 18 passes for 205 yards and two scores. The unit also blocked for an offense that rushed for 2,189 yards and 20 touchdowns and one that threw for 1,13 yards and nine touchdowns.Â
In 2016, Callahan’s offensive line protected for an offense that averaged 41.57 points per game and rushed for 3,392 yards and 36 touchdowns. In addition, the Broncos passed for 3,533 yards and 33 touchdowns. Callahan’s line yielded only 16 sacks in 14 games.Â
Callahan coached All-MAC First Team honorees Taylor Moton and Chukwuma Okorafor last season and All-MAC Second Team player John Keenoy. FootballScoop named Callahan its 2016 Offensive Line Coach of the Year.Â
Callahan’s line paved the way for Western Michigan to have one of the best running attacks in college football, as it averaged 228 yards per game and 5.11 yards per carry. A large part of that success came in the line’s ability to limit negative plays. Opponents secured only 16 sacks against 378 pass attempts, which was good for one sack every 23.6 pass attempts. In 1,012 total snaps, Callahan’s unit permitted just 57 tackles for loss, which was one of the lowest totals in college football.Â
In 2015, the Bronco line paved the way for running back Jamauri Bogan to rush for 1,051 yards, and earn MAC Freshman of the Year. Overall, the Broncos rushed for 204.6 yards per game, good for second in the MAC and 29th in the country. Western Michigan added 28 rushing touchdowns behind Callahan’s line.Â
Prior to his time at Western Michigan, Callahan coached the offensive line at his alma mater Eastern Illinois. He was with the Panthers from 2010-12 and helped lead Eastern Illinois to the 2012 Ohio Valley Conference Championship and a berth in the Division I FCS Playoffs. In 2012, the Panthers finished seventh in total offense, sixth in passing offense and eighth in scoring offense.Â
Callahan coached the offensive line at Akron from 2004-09. He helped guide the Zips to their first ever MAC Championship in 2005 and a berth in the 2005 Motor City Bowl. He was also the program's run game coordinator from 2005-09. During that time, Akron posted a win against North Carolina State and boasted the nation’s most improved offense in 2008.Â
Callahan coached the tight ends and offensive line during his four-year tenure at the University of Texas-El Paso. He helped the Miners win the 2000 Western Athletic Conference title and the 2000 Humanitarian Bowl.Â
He started his coaching career in 1992 at the high school level and has spent time at Northern Michigan and was a graduate assistant at Pittsburgh, Oklahoma and Louisville.Â
Callahan and his wife Jennifer have three children, Lauren, Grace and Kevin.
CALLAHAN AT A GLANCE
Coaching Experience
2019-present: Minnesota - Offensive Line / Run Game Coordinator
2018: Minnesota - Offensive Line
2017: Minnesota - Tight Ends
2013-16: Western Michigan - Offensive Line
2010-12: Eastern Illinois - Offensive Line
2005-09: Akron - Offensive Line / Run Game Coordinator
2004: Akron - Offensive Line
2001-03:Â UTEP -Â Offensive Line
2000: UTEPÂ -Â Tight Ends
1999: Northern Michigan - Offensive Coordinator / Recruiting Coordinator
1998: Northern Michigan - Offensive Line
1996-97: Pittsburgh - Graduate Assistant
1995: Oklahoma - Graduate Assistant
1994: Louisville - Graduate Assistant
1993: Eastern Illinois - Restricted Earnings Coach
1992-93: Gordon Tech High School - Offensive Line
Bowls Coached
2023Â Quick Lane Bowl (Minnesota)
2022 Pinstripe Bowl (Minnesota)Â
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bowl (Minnesota)
2020 Outback Bowl (Minnesota)
2018 Quick Lane Bowl (Minnesota)
2017 Cotton Bowl (Western Michigan)
2015 Bahamas Bowl (Western Michigan)
2014 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Western Michigan)
2005 Music City Bowl (Akron)
2000 Humanitarian Bowl (UTEP)
1997 Liberty Bowl (Pittsburgh)
Playing Experience:Â Eastern Illinois (offensive tackle), 1987-1991
Hometown:Â Chicago, Ill.
High School:Â Gordon Tech High School, 1987
Alma Mater:Â Eastern Illinois, 1992 (history); Eastern Illinois, 1996 (master's degree); Pittsburgh, 1997 (master's degree)
Wife:Â Jennifer
Daughters:Â Lauren and GraceÂ
Son:Â Kevin
- The 2024 season will be his eighth year at Minnesota, seventh as offensive line coach (35th year overall in coaching)
- Daniel Faalele was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022Â NFL Draft, making him the first Gopher OL to be picked since 2006
- John Michael Schmitz was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, making him the highest Gopher center to be picked since 1989
- Connor Olson set a Minnesota offensive lineman record with 58 games started, every contest of his career
- In 2022, Schmitz was named one of three finalists for the Rimington Award, was a First Team All-American and was PFF's top-ranked center
- John Michael Schmitz was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, making him the highest Gopher center to be picked since 1989
- Connor Olson set a Minnesota offensive lineman record with 58 games started, every contest of his career
- In 2022, Schmitz was named one of three finalists for the Rimington Award, was a First Team All-American and was PFF's top-ranked center
- In 2021, all five of Minnesota's starting offensive lineman were recognized with All-Big Ten honors, including Faalele and Blaise Andries earning First Team distinction
- In 2021, Minnesota's line enabled the Gophers to rush for 2,575 yards and 25 scores, a feat made even more impressive considering the Gophers used five different lead tailbacks due to injuries
- In 2019, Minnesota's line blocked for an offense that set a school record for passing yards, ranked second in program history in points and first downs, and third in total yard and points per game
ALL BIG TEN PERFORMERS MENTORED BY COACH CALLAHAN:Â
First Team: John Michael Schmitz, 2022 (coaches, media), Daniel Faalele, 2021 (coaches), Blaise Andries, 2021 (media)
Second Team: Aireontae Ersery, 2023 (coaches, media), John Michael Schmitz, 2021 (coaches)Â
Third Team: Chuck Filiaga, 2022 (coaches), Axel Ruschmeyer, 2022 (coaches, media), Daniel Faalele, 2021 (media), John Michael Schmitz, 2021 (media), Connor Olson, 2021 (coaches), Connor Olson, 2020 (media), Blaise Andries, 2021 (coaches), Blaise Andries, 2020 (media), Blaise Andries, 2019 (coaches, media)Â
BIOGRAPHY:Â
Brian Callahan joined the University of Minnesota staff in January 2017. He coached the tight ends during the 2017 season, but was named Offensive Line Coach prior to spring practice in 2018. In March 2019, he added the title Run Game Coordinator to his resume.Â
Prior to coaching tight ends at Minnesota, Callahan had coached offensive line since 2001. Callahan came to Minnesota from Western Michigan, where he coached the offensive line from 2013-17.
In 2023, Callahan broke in three new starters on the offense line in center Nathan Boe and guards Tyler Cooper and Martes Lewis. That trio joined returning starters left tackle Aireontae Ersery and right tackle Quinn Carroll. That unit blocked for an offense that rushed for 2,264 yards and 13 touchdowns and one that threw for 1,864 and 16 touchdowns. Ersery was named Second Team All-Big Ten and was PFF's highest graded Big Ten offensive lineman and had the highest run-blocking grade. Carroll and Boe (Minnesota's Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner) were recognized as Honorable Mention All-Big Ten. Callahan also mixed in Prior Lake, Minn., true freshman Greg Johnson at guard and he performed admirably.Â
The 2022 season featured an offensive line anchored by center John Michael Schmitz, who was a Rimington Trophy finalist, First Team All-American and Academic All-American. Schmitz and his mates - who were named to the Midseason Honor Roll for the Joe Moore Award (given to the nation's most outstanding offensive line) - paved the way for Minnesota to win nine games and helped running back Mohamed Ibrahim set program records for career rushing yards (4,668) and touchdowns (53). They also blocked for Tanner Morgan, who ended his career as Minnesota's all-time winningest quarterback with 33 career wins.   Â
Schmitz, who was Minnesota's male recipient of the Big Ten Medal of Honor, was taken in the 2023 NFL Draft with the 57th overall pick by the New York Giants. He was the highest Minnesota center to be drafted since 1989 when Brian Williams was taken 18th in the first round by the Giants. Schmitz was the third Minnesota center ever to be drafted in the first two rounds, joining Williams and Clayton Tonnemaker who was drafted fourth overall by the Packers in 1950.Â
Schmitz's selection was also notable in that Minnesota had offensive lineman taken in consecutive drafts, as Daniel Faalele was drafted in 2022 in the fourth round by Baltimore. The last time Minnesota had offensive lineman selected in consecutive drafts was 2001-2002 (center Ben Hamilton was taken in the fourth round in 2001 by Denver and tackle Adam Haayer was drafted in sixth round by Tennessee, while Matt Anderle was drafted in the sixth round in 2002 by San Diego).Â
The 2021 season showcased the strength of Minnesota's dominant offensive line, as all five of Minnesota's starting offensive lineman were recognized with All-Big Ten honors, including Daniel Faalele and Blaise Andries earning First Team distinction.Â
As injuries mounted up for Minnesota's running backs, the Gophers had five different individuals run for 100 yards in 2021 behind the bruising line, which is something that had not happened at Minnesota since 1932. The Gophers were the only FBS team to have five different individuals reach 100 yards.Â
The 2022 NFL Draft saw All-Big Ten First Teamer Daniel Faalele drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravnes. He was the first Gopher offensive lineman to be drafted since 2006 when both Greg Eslinger and Mark Setterstrom were selected.Â
In 2020, four Minnesota offensive lineman were named All-Big Ten in Blaise Andries (Third Team), Conner Olson (Third Team), Sam Schlueter (Honorable Mention) and John Michael Schmitz (Honorable Mention). That unit blocked for the prolific Ibrahim, who set school records in season rushing yards per game (153.7), consecutive 100-yard rushing games (8) and touchdowns in consecutive games (8). Ibrahim tied school records in most rushing touchdowns in a game (4), most rushing touchdowns in a first half (4), most rushing touchdowns in one half (4) and consecutive 200-yard rushing games (2).Â
In 2019, Minnesota's line - which did not have a senior on it - blocked for an offense that totaled 5,616 yards (third most in school history), 3,293 passing yards (school record), 294 first downs (second most in school history), 443 points (second most in school history) and a scoring average of 34.1 points per game (third most in school history). In addition, the Gophers ran for 2,323 yards and 25 touchdowns, reaching those numbers for only the tenth time since 1955.Â
Minnesota had five offensive linemen recognized by the Big Ten. Blaise Andries was named All-Big Ten Third Team, while Curtis Dunlap, Daniel Faalele, Conner Olson and Sam Schlueter were all named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.Â
In 2018, Callahan coached an offensive line that routinely started three underclassmen. However, his unit rarely showed its youth, as it blocked for an offense that averaged 28.9 points per game and one that rushed for 23 touchdowns and threw for 20 touchdowns (first time since 2006 that Minnesota reached 20 passing and rushing touchdowns in a season). Lineman Donnell Green, Blaise Andries, Daniel Faalele, Conner Olson and Jared Weyler were all named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.Â
In 2017, Minnesota's tight ends combined to catch 18 passes for 205 yards and two scores. The unit also blocked for an offense that rushed for 2,189 yards and 20 touchdowns and one that threw for 1,13 yards and nine touchdowns.Â
In 2016, Callahan’s offensive line protected for an offense that averaged 41.57 points per game and rushed for 3,392 yards and 36 touchdowns. In addition, the Broncos passed for 3,533 yards and 33 touchdowns. Callahan’s line yielded only 16 sacks in 14 games.Â
Callahan coached All-MAC First Team honorees Taylor Moton and Chukwuma Okorafor last season and All-MAC Second Team player John Keenoy. FootballScoop named Callahan its 2016 Offensive Line Coach of the Year.Â
Callahan’s line paved the way for Western Michigan to have one of the best running attacks in college football, as it averaged 228 yards per game and 5.11 yards per carry. A large part of that success came in the line’s ability to limit negative plays. Opponents secured only 16 sacks against 378 pass attempts, which was good for one sack every 23.6 pass attempts. In 1,012 total snaps, Callahan’s unit permitted just 57 tackles for loss, which was one of the lowest totals in college football.Â
In 2015, the Bronco line paved the way for running back Jamauri Bogan to rush for 1,051 yards, and earn MAC Freshman of the Year. Overall, the Broncos rushed for 204.6 yards per game, good for second in the MAC and 29th in the country. Western Michigan added 28 rushing touchdowns behind Callahan’s line.Â
Prior to his time at Western Michigan, Callahan coached the offensive line at his alma mater Eastern Illinois. He was with the Panthers from 2010-12 and helped lead Eastern Illinois to the 2012 Ohio Valley Conference Championship and a berth in the Division I FCS Playoffs. In 2012, the Panthers finished seventh in total offense, sixth in passing offense and eighth in scoring offense.Â
Callahan coached the offensive line at Akron from 2004-09. He helped guide the Zips to their first ever MAC Championship in 2005 and a berth in the 2005 Motor City Bowl. He was also the program's run game coordinator from 2005-09. During that time, Akron posted a win against North Carolina State and boasted the nation’s most improved offense in 2008.Â
Callahan coached the tight ends and offensive line during his four-year tenure at the University of Texas-El Paso. He helped the Miners win the 2000 Western Athletic Conference title and the 2000 Humanitarian Bowl.Â
He started his coaching career in 1992 at the high school level and has spent time at Northern Michigan and was a graduate assistant at Pittsburgh, Oklahoma and Louisville.Â
Callahan and his wife Jennifer have three children, Lauren, Grace and Kevin.
CALLAHAN AT A GLANCE
Coaching Experience
2019-present: Minnesota - Offensive Line / Run Game Coordinator
2018: Minnesota - Offensive Line
2017: Minnesota - Tight Ends
2013-16: Western Michigan - Offensive Line
2010-12: Eastern Illinois - Offensive Line
2005-09: Akron - Offensive Line / Run Game Coordinator
2004: Akron - Offensive Line
2001-03:Â UTEP -Â Offensive Line
2000: UTEPÂ -Â Tight Ends
1999: Northern Michigan - Offensive Coordinator / Recruiting Coordinator
1998: Northern Michigan - Offensive Line
1996-97: Pittsburgh - Graduate Assistant
1995: Oklahoma - Graduate Assistant
1994: Louisville - Graduate Assistant
1993: Eastern Illinois - Restricted Earnings Coach
1992-93: Gordon Tech High School - Offensive Line
Bowls Coached
2023Â Quick Lane Bowl (Minnesota)
2022 Pinstripe Bowl (Minnesota)Â
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bowl (Minnesota)
2020 Outback Bowl (Minnesota)
2018 Quick Lane Bowl (Minnesota)
2017 Cotton Bowl (Western Michigan)
2015 Bahamas Bowl (Western Michigan)
2014 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Western Michigan)
2005 Music City Bowl (Akron)
2000 Humanitarian Bowl (UTEP)
1997 Liberty Bowl (Pittsburgh)
Playing Experience:Â Eastern Illinois (offensive tackle), 1987-1991
Hometown:Â Chicago, Ill.
High School:Â Gordon Tech High School, 1987
Alma Mater:Â Eastern Illinois, 1992 (history); Eastern Illinois, 1996 (master's degree); Pittsburgh, 1997 (master's degree)
Wife:Â Jennifer
Daughters:Â Lauren and GraceÂ
Son:Â Kevin
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Cinematic Recap: A Sweep in Nashville
Friday, September 12
