Gophers coordinator Rossi tests positive for COVID-19, will not coach against Illinois

The Minnesota Gophers will be without defensive coordinator Joe Rossi on Saturday.

Rossi tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and will not coach against Illinois. Co-defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak will call the defense as the Gophers attempt to claim their first win of the season against the Fighting Illini.

Rossi’s diagnoses was confirmed with a follow-up PCR test. According to the university, Rossi returned home and began his isolation process while working remotely.

No other member of the Gophers coaching staff have tested positive this week.

Minnesota’s defense has struggled in 2020. The Gophers allowed 49 points in a season-opening loss to Michigan and 45 points in an overtime loss to Maryland last week. Out of 103 FBS teams, Minnesota ranks 102nd in total defense (578.0 yards per game) and scoring defense (47.0 points per game).

The Gophers and Illinois kick off 2:30 p.m. Saturday.