PJ Fleck wrapped up his ninth season at the helm of the Minnesota Golden Gophers with a bowl win over New Mexico, capping off a campaign that saw his team go undefeated at home. The Gophers’ 7-0 mark at Huntington Bank Stadium was a bright spot in a season that had its share of ups and downs - but that home dominance helped push Minnesota to an 8-5 finish and, once again, reinforced Fleck’s value to the program.
Now, it looks like the University of Minnesota is preparing to double down on its commitment to Fleck. According to recent reports from a Minnesota-based journalist, conversations are already underway about a contract extension that would keep Fleck in Dinkytown beyond his current deal, which runs through 2030.
This news comes on the heels of comments made by University President Dr. Rebecca Cunningham during a recent Minnesota alumni event in Naples, Florida.
Speaking at the Minnesota Breakfast Club - a long-standing winter gathering spot for Gopher faithful - Cunningham reportedly hinted that a new deal for Fleck is in the works. That aligns with the consistent backing Fleck has received from Athletics Director Mark Coyle, who brought him to Minnesota and has remained a vocal supporter throughout his tenure.
Coyle’s support isn’t just talk - it’s been backed up with action over the years. And it’s not just the AD.
The University’s Board of Regents, which hasn’t always been unified in its support of past coaches, has largely stood behind Fleck. That kind of institutional alignment matters, especially in a conference like the Big Ten, where stability and vision can be the difference between treading water and building something sustainable.
Financially, Fleck earned $7 million last season - placing him 12th among the 18 Big Ten head coaches. That figure is just $1 million more than the reported salary for Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who recently signed an extension of his own. In the ever-escalating arms race of college football coaching salaries, Minnesota’s investment in Fleck is meaningful, but still leaves room for growth, especially if the program wants to keep pace with the sport’s heavy hitters.
Fleck’s overall record in Minnesota sits at 66-44, with a 39-40 mark in Big Ten play. That conference record tells the story of a coach who’s had to grind for every inch in one of the toughest leagues in college football. But with a bowl win in his back pocket and a roster returning a solid core of experienced talent, there’s reason to believe the Gophers can stay competitive - even as the Big Ten landscape gets more crowded and more challenging.
One area Fleck is clearly looking to shore up heading into 2026: special teams. Kicking was inconsistent last year.
Dragan Kesich had his moments, but Syracuse transfer Brady Denaburg struggled, converting just two-thirds of his field goal attempts. Enter Beckham Sunderland, a transfer from Michigan by way of Texas State, who Fleck is already raving about.
Fleck reportedly described Sunderland as an “unreal kicker,” and while the senior has yet to attempt a field goal in a college game, the coaching staff is betting on his upside. Sunderland played under current Minnesota special teams coordinator Daniel Da Prato at Texas State, so there’s familiarity and trust there - both of which go a long way when breaking in a new leg.
The raw numbers don’t scream experience - 15 games over the past two seasons without a single field goal try - but Sunderland’s big leg and connection to Da Prato make him an intriguing piece in Minnesota’s kicking puzzle. If he can deliver in pressure moments, it could go a long way in flipping close games Minnesota’s way - something that often defines seasons in the Big Ten.
As the Gophers look ahead to 2026, they’ll do so with a coach who’s been through the battles, a roster that’s been through the fire, and a university that appears ready to keep rowing the boat with PJ Fleck leading the charge.