New Gophers head football coach P.J. Fleck released a statement to NewsChannel3 in Kalamazoo early Friday that he’s leaving Western Michigan to become the new head coach of Gophers football. Shortly after, the Gophers made the new hire official.
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my decision to leave Western Michigan University for the head football coaching job at the University of Minnesota,” Fleck said, via Fox 9. “Although I am grateful for and excited about this opportunity, this was a very difficult decision to make; one that involved much introspection and prayer. Heather (his wife) and I love Kalamazoo and the Western Michigan University family of staff, students, alumni and fans. I simply feel called to take on this new challenge and to start a new chapter in my family’s journey. I am proud of what we have accomplished together in Kalamazoo. I feel we have left WMU football in a much better place than when we arrived here. That was our mission. I’ll always be your fan and friend. RTB PJ.”
Western Michigan athletic director Kathy Beauregard confirmed the news.
WMU has been informed of PJ Fleck's intention to accept the Minnesota job.We will hold a noon press conference in Seelye
— Kathy Beauregard (@BeauregardKathy) January 6, 2017
We have a lot more on Fleck here. He’s expected to be formally introduced at Minnesota on Friday afternoon.
