Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner had successful left foot surgery Wednesday and should take about four months to heal, the team announced.
"Mitch's surgery went well," coach Tracy Claeys said in a news release. "We will be careful with his recovery process, but hope to have him back at full strength in four months or so."
Leidner started all 13 games this year as a junior and passed for 2,701 yards, the Gophers' fourth-highest single-season mark.
The Lakeville native has played through ligament injuries in the foot for the past two seasons and spent much of his time off the field in a walking boot in recent weeks. He will be limited in spring practice but is expected to be full-go for summer workouts.
Hires finalized
The Gophers announced the hiring of offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jay Johnson and offensive line coach Bart Miller, confirming previous reports.
"Jay and Bart are both tremendous people and will fit in naturally with our staff," Claeys said in the release. "These are two individuals we identified early in the process, and I am thrilled that they are headed to Minnesota."
Both coaches received two-year deals, with Johnson's salary at $550,000, and Miller's at $250,000. For comparison, former Gophers offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover made $566,000 last season.
Moves confirmed
Claeys also confirmed that Berkley Edwards, Desmond Gant and Craig James have been granted their release.
