Thomas Barber among newest additions to Gophers football staff

Former University of Minnesota linebacker Thomas Barber is among several new staff members on the Gophers football team.

The program on Tuesday announced Barber and Christian Pawola will be defensive graduate assistants while Angel Matute and Nick Faus will be offensive graduate assistants.

Barber is a four-year letter-winner who had a standout career with the Gophers. From 2016 through 2019, he tallied 274 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles and 7 fumble recoveries, which is tied for second-most in school history.

He spent last season as a linebackers coach at Augsburg University.

Pawola spent last season as a linebackers coach at Thiel College. The 2020 Minnesota graduate was a defensive student assistant coach for the Gophers for two seasons, reporting directly to defensive coordinator Joe Rossi.

Matute was a high school quarterback who began his collegiate career at Golden West College as a tight end. He later transferred to Mt. San Antonio College and became an offensive lineman before landing at Missouri. He was a student assistant in 2021.

Faus spent last season as a special teams graduate assistant with West Virginia. Before that, he spent four years at Western Michigan.

The Gophers also announced the hiring of three quality control coaches: Ferras Isa (special teams), Andrew Bindelglass (defense) and Brian Sheehan (offense).

Kramer Cook was also promoted to the director of recruiting operations, Drew Smith was named an assistant for personnel and recruiting and Chandler Buning was named an assistant for recruiting and administration.