P.J. Fleck’s Coaching Future in Question Amid College Football Rumors

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – Despite Minnesota’s disappointing 41-3 loss to Iowa last week, P.J. Fleck‘s name continues to circulate in college football coaching rumors.

Following the recent firings of Brian Kelly at LSU and James Franklin at Penn State, attention has turned to coaching vacancies, particularly with Nebraska extending Matt Rhule‘s contract. This move reduces the pool of candidates for top jobs, putting pressure on respected coaches.

Insider reports suggest that Fleck could be in contention to replace his friend, Franklin, at Penn State. While no strong connections link Fleck to the opening, speculation persists regarding his future in the coaching carousel.

“Another coach whose name is circulating around the carousel is Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck, who is 63-42 in nine years,” one analyst noted. “Fleck has only one double-digit victory season at the school, but his .600 winning percentage is better than any Gophers coach since 1950.”

Further reports echoed this sentiment, stating, “Minnesota won’t be looking to make a change by any stretch of the imagination, but that doesn’t mean P.J. Fleck stays put in the Twin Cities given all the openings that may be available this cycle.”

Fleck has been with the Gophers for nine seasons and is under contract through 2030. During his tenure, he has built a strong team culture, but the record against ranked opponents is less impressive, sitting at 6-18. However, they have won three of their last six games against ranked teams in the past two seasons.

His biggest victories include a notable upset against No. 11 USC last season, defeating No. 14 Wisconsin in 2021, and besting No. 4 Penn State during a successful 2019 season. With several major programs like LSU, Florida, and UCLA searching for new coaches, Fleck’s future remains uncertain.

As the season progresses and coaching vacancies potentially increase, Fleck’s situation will be closely watched, especially if Minnesota can finish strong.