P.J. Fleck Signs New Deal, Solidifies Legacy in Minnesota
P.J. Fleck is staying put in Minneapolis - and he’s doing so with a new deal in hand. The University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved a fresh contract for the Gophers head coach during their February meeting, tacking on another chapter to what’s become one of the most stable coaching tenures in the Big Ten.
Fleck, who just wrapped up his ninth season with the program, also received a $700,000 bonus following the 2025 campaign, bringing his annual compensation to $7.9 million. That figure now places him as the 10th-highest paid coach in the conference - a reflection not just of loyalty, but of results.
And the results speak for themselves.
A Decade of "Rowing the Boat"
When Fleck took over the Gophers in 2017, the program was searching for consistency. Fast forward to 2026, and he’s entering his 10th season at the helm - a milestone that makes him the fifth-longest tenured head coach in school history and the second-longest active coach in the Big Ten. That kind of staying power is rare in today’s college football landscape, especially in a Power Five conference where pressure mounts quickly and job security is never guaranteed.
Under Fleck, Minnesota has carved out a clear identity: disciplined, physical, and tough to beat in the postseason. The Gophers finished the 2025 season with an 8-5 record, including a 5-4 mark in conference play, and capped it off with a bowl win over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl - the kind of solid, no-drama season that has become a hallmark of Fleck’s tenure.
Numbers That Matter
Fleck’s overall record in Minnesota now stands at 66-44. That puts him fourth all-time in program history in total wins and also fourth in Big Ten victories with 39. He’s coached 110 games for the Gophers, the fifth-most in school history - a testament to both his success and the trust he’s earned from the university.
But perhaps the most eye-popping stat? Fleck is a perfect 7-0 in bowl games.
No other coach in Minnesota history can say that. Seven postseason appearances, seven wins.
That’s not just impressive - it’s elite.
And he’s not just winning games. He’s developing players.
During his time in Minneapolis, 19 of his players have been selected in the NFL Draft. He’s coached eight All-Americans, 10 Academic All-Americans, and nearly 500 Academic All-Big Ten honorees.
That’s a program that’s not only producing on Saturdays but also in the classroom and beyond.
Sustained Success, Elevated Expectations
Minnesota has now hit the eight-win mark five times under Fleck - in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025 - tying the most such seasons under any coach in program history. That level of consistency has elevated expectations around the program.
What used to be a good year is now the baseline. And that’s the sign of real progress.
Fleck’s new contract doesn’t just reward past performance - it signals a belief in the future. The Gophers are betting that the culture he’s built, the players he’s developed, and the results he’s delivered will continue to push the program forward.
As he enters his 10th season, Fleck’s message remains the same: "Row the Boat." But with a new deal, a growing legacy, and a program that continues to trend upward, it’s clear he’s not just rowing - he’s steering Minnesota into a new era of sustained relevance.