.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
Staff Directory
Christian Pawola
- Title:
- Assistant Defensive Backs Coach
Christian Pawola joined the University of Minnesota football staff in February 2025 as the Assistant Defensive Backs Coach.Â
In 2025, Pawola worked with both corners and safeties. Defensive back John Nestor had 50 tackles, six interceptions, six pass breakups and one fumble recovery. His six interceptions tied for the most in the Big Ten and tied for the third-most in program history. Kerry Brown added 56 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions.Â
He also worked to help prepare Aidan Gousby and Jai'Onte' McMillan to play either corner or safety. Gousby played safety for most of his career, but started the final two games of the season - both Minnesota wins - at corner, while McMillan, a more traditional nickel, started three games at corner in 2025.Â
Pawola returned to Minnesota after spending the 2024 season at Michigan State where he was since January 2024. At Michigan State, Pawola was a graduate student defensive coach and was named assistant defensive backs coach in January 2025 before joining the Gopher staff. Â
Pawola is a 2020 Minnesota graduate and has a degree in marketing. He spent the 2022-23 seasons as a graduate assistant for the Gophers and was also a defensive student assistant from 2019-20.Â
The Sycamore, Ill., native spent the 2021 season coaching linebackers at Thiel College.Â
Â
In 2025, Pawola worked with both corners and safeties. Defensive back John Nestor had 50 tackles, six interceptions, six pass breakups and one fumble recovery. His six interceptions tied for the most in the Big Ten and tied for the third-most in program history. Kerry Brown added 56 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions.Â
He also worked to help prepare Aidan Gousby and Jai'Onte' McMillan to play either corner or safety. Gousby played safety for most of his career, but started the final two games of the season - both Minnesota wins - at corner, while McMillan, a more traditional nickel, started three games at corner in 2025.Â
Pawola returned to Minnesota after spending the 2024 season at Michigan State where he was since January 2024. At Michigan State, Pawola was a graduate student defensive coach and was named assistant defensive backs coach in January 2025 before joining the Gopher staff. Â
Pawola is a 2020 Minnesota graduate and has a degree in marketing. He spent the 2022-23 seasons as a graduate assistant for the Gophers and was also a defensive student assistant from 2019-20.Â
The Sycamore, Ill., native spent the 2021 season coaching linebackers at Thiel College.Â
Â
Coming Home: Carlie Wagner Olstad
Monday, February 23
Cinematic Recap: Gophers Top Rutgers
Monday, February 23
Cinematic Recap: Gophers at Washington
Monday, February 23
Highlights: Gophers 61, Michigan State 75
Sunday, February 22
