I know some Minnesota Gopher Football fans don’t want to hear it, but there was legitimate smoke a month back between UCLA’s head football coaching position and Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck. Ultimately, nothing significant transpired as Fleck tweeted out his appreciation for the University, and the Bruins ended up hiring former running back coach DeShaun Foster.
Minnesota’s head coach ultimately got a contract amendment out of it, which will see him add an extra few million to the duration of his contract in retention bonuses that’ll be paid out on December 31st of 2024 and each subsequent year if he remains head coach here.
It also rings true that I would be genuinely gobsmacked if the Gophers athletic director, Mark Coyle, were ever to fire his head football coach. As per the new contract amendment, Fleck would be owed 65% of his remaining money through the end of his deal.
That figure for the rest of 2024 is north of 22 million dollars that he’d be owed by Minnesota, and it’d be around $18 million or so for 2025. Fleck is on solid footing here at Minnesota, regardless of record. Was 2023 the season that he, or anyone around the University envisioned with a below .500 regular season? It wasn’t, but it remains true that he holds a record of 50-34 at Minnesota. Fleck is already fifth in program history for overall wins (50), Big Ten wins (29), and games coached (84). Fleck’s .595-win percentage is third best among Minnesota coaches with at least 45 games under their helm behind only Henry L. Williams (.786, 1900-21) and Bernie Bierman (.716, 1932-41, ’45-50). Through 10 seasons as a college head coach, Fleck is 80-56 (.588).
But Fleck spoke with the local media today for the first time in 85 days. And here’s what he had to say about that UCLA job.
“Well, I just love being in Minnesota,” Fleck said on Wednesday. “I don’t know if there’s much to say after that. I just love being here.”
“I’ve told you that before. We built a life here, not just make a living being a football coach. We’re embedded in the community. We love this place, the city. We love the University. It’s been really good to us.
I think cultural sustainability is really important for success, especially in 2024 and the way college football is changing. I think it’s really important for the development of programs and success of programs. And yeah, just love being at Minnesota.”
The Gophers begin spring practice tomorrow, and their season begins on August 29th with a Thursday night game against the North Carolina Tar Heels.
1. **Interest from UCLA**: There were rumors of UCLA showing interest in hiring PJ Fleck as their head football coach. This speculation led to discussions and potential negotiations, but ultimately UCLA hired DeShaun Foster instead.
2. **Contract Amendment**: Despite the UCLA rumors, Fleck didn’t leave Minnesota. Instead, he negotiated a contract amendment that provides him with additional retention bonuses. This indicates that Minnesota values Fleck and wants to keep him as their head coach.
3. **Fleck’s Loyalty**: Fleck’s comments to the media reinforce his commitment to Minnesota. He emphasizes that he and his family have built a life in Minnesota, not just a job, and they are embedded in the community. This loyalty could reassure fans and administrators about Fleck’s dedication to the program.
4. **Cultural Sustainability**: Fleck highlights the importance of cultural sustainability for success in college football, particularly in the changing landscape of the sport. This suggests that he is focused on building a strong foundation and maintaining the culture he has established at Minnesota.
5. **Upcoming Season**: Fleck’s comments come as the team is about to begin spring practice and prepare for the upcoming season. His reaffirmation of his commitment to Minnesota could provide stability and motivation for the players and coaching staff.
Overall, Fleck’s response to the UCLA rumors reinforces his commitment to Minnesota and his focus on building a successful program there. His loyalty and dedication could resonate positively with fans and administrators as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
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