Cast aside any concerns about P.J. Fleck rowing his boat out of Minnesota for a bigger job in college football. The Gophers announced Tuesday that Fleck has agreed to a seven-year contract extension that will keep him signed with the University of Minnesota through the 2026 season.
It’s not yet clear how much of an annual raise Fleck is getting, but Yahoo Sports reporter Pete Thamel says it includes a “significant pay raise for he and his staff.”
“It is a tremendous honor to lead this team and represent the University of Minnesota and this great state,” said Fleck in a statement. “Our family absolutely loves Minnesota, and we are excited to continue to call this state home.”
Fleck has the Gophers undefeated (8-0) and ranked 13th in the AP Top-25 Poll, with this Saturday’s 11 a.m. game against No. 5 Penn State (8-0) one of the biggest in recent memory.
P.J. Fleck and the #Gophers have reached a seven-year contract extension! He is now under contract through 2026! https://t.co/WnkcXh3l6O pic.twitter.com/5G6Ug0kp5y
— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) November 5, 2019
“We are building a championship culture – one that our fans can be proud of – through the academic, athletic, social and spiritual development of our student athletes,” Fleck added. “Heather and I are so thankful to our staff, Mark Coyle, President Gabel and the Board of Regents for seeing the vision we have for our football program.”
Fleck’s extension comes a day after his name was placed among others for the vacant head coaching job at Florida State, with at least one Vegas oddsmaker giving Fleck 6-to-1 odds to go to Florida State.
Fleck is making $3.6 million this season, ranking 11th among 14 Big Ten coaches, according to USA Today.
