The Minnesota Golden Gophers were coached by Wes Fesler for three seasons from 1951 to 1953. In those three seasons, the Gophers won 10 games, lost 13 and tied four. In the Big Ten, they won seven games, lost eight and tied four. Paul Giel was named an All-American twice, the only player award All-American under Fesler. Two of Minnesota's five Chicago Tribune Silver Football awards were given under Fesler (both to Giel). Four players were named All-Big Ten first team.