The Minnesota Golden Gophers brought in P.J. Fleck to be the head coach after a scandal-led Minnesota went in search of a change in image and program culture. Now on the eve of Thanksgiving, the Gophers are making sure he sticks around an extra season.
After five wins, a 3-0 start, and possible bowl game berth with a game left, the Gophers are ready for the long-term commitment with Fleck. The school announced Wednesday they extended Fleck’s contract through 2023, making sure what Fleck is building will be a structure that lasts.
His original 5-year, $18 million contract makes the 36-year-old coach the sixth-highest paid in the Big Ten. After a 30-22 record with the Western Michigan Broncos, the Minnesota Gophers brought in Fleck, who has already started to change the culture and bring in recruits.
A suspension, like the one to Duke McGhee earlier in the season showed that he would have a zero-tolerance policy for players who would set the program back with their conduct. Despite some rough Big Ten games, he has also already shown how well he can prepare the next class with coaching, as players like Phillip Howard or Ken Holly-Handy have had to play larger roles because of injury. Fleck has prepared freshmen to jump into starting roles and perform despite their age or lack of playing time.
It has shown with Fleck’s accomplishments as well, with his 5-6 record marking the best season had by a first-year Gophers head coach since 1954, according to school records. Headed into rivalry weekend, the Gophers are all about Fleck.
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