Minnesota has appointed Danny Collins as the new defensive coordinator following Corey Hetherman’s move to Miami, as announced by the university on Thursday.

Collins has been an integral part of the Gophers’ coaching staff since head coach P.J. Fleck took the helm in 2017. In his most recent role, he worked as the safeties coach and was also the pass game coordinator. He will maintain his duties overseeing the safeties in his new position. This isn’t Collins’ first time working under Fleck; he previously served on the coaching staff at Western Michigan under Fleck’s guidance.

Additionally, Fleck has made some other coaching changes. Mariano Sori-Marin has been elevated to the position of linebackers coach, while Dennis Dottin-Carter will take on the role of rush ends coach. Kevin Kane has been brought in as the coach for both nickel backs and outside linebackers. Sori-Marin, who played 58 games while under Fleck’s leadership, was recognized as a third-team All-Big Ten selection in 2022. Meanwhile, Kane brings valuable experience to Minnesota, having served as the defensive coordinator at Purdue for the past two seasons, as well as holding similar roles at SMU and Northern Illinois in earlier years.

Hetherman was with the Gophers for just one season before his departure.