Minnesota announced defensive coordinator Joe Rossi will not be coaching this weekend against Illinois as he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Rossi tested positive during the week and the result was confirmed with a follow-up PCR test. According to University of Minnesota Athletics, he immediately began self-isolating. No other Minnesota coach has tested positive.
Defensive backs, safeties and co-defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak will take over the role in Rossi’s absence. The defense has struggled up to this point in the season, allowing at least 45 points in each game and giving up an average of 578 yards to opponents.
Rossi took over as the defensive coordinator during the middle of the 2018 season after former defensive coordinator Robb Smith was fired from the position.
