Gopher football head coach P.J. Fleck told the Pioneer Press’ Andy Greder that he will be one of 200 University of Minnesota employees to take a one-week furlough through the fiscal year, which ends on June 30.
News: #Gophers football coach PJ Fleck confirms he is included in 200 senior leaders at the University Minnesota talking a week furlough through fiscal year ending June 30 to help expected revenue shortages during #coronavirus pandemic.
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) April 23, 2020
According to U of M Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations, Brian Burnett, the collective total of the costs will save the university roughly $1 million.
The cut off Fleck’s $4.6 million salary for 2020 should help the university curb some of the budget crunch created by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has eliminated revenue from the winter and spring championship tournaments.
As a result, other universities across the country have also made furloughs that have included members of the athletic department.
According to the Star Tribune, a Board of Regents meeting on April 7 estimated that number could grow by $75 million if the effects extend into the fall season.
Fleck is currently building off the program’s 11-2 record last season by hitting the recruiting trail hard. The Gophers’ 2021 recruiting class is currently ranked fifth in the nation by 247Sports.
