KALAMAZOO, MI (WTVB) – A Kalamazoo television station is now confirming Western Michigan University football coach P.J. Fleck will take the head coaching job at the University of Minnesota. WWMT-TV made the announcement on their website this morning.
The 36-year-old Fleck came to Western Michigan in 2013 after a one year stint as wide receivers coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.The Broncos showed steady improvement in his four years at the helm, going from 1-11, to 13-1, with a berth in the Cotton Bowl Classic this season.Fleck leaves with a 30-22 record overall (21-11, MAC), including a record of 1-2 in bowl games.
Two Minneapolis television stations say Fleck will receive a six-year, $21 million contract.
WMU had reportedly been preparing to offer Fleck an extension to double his $800,000 a year salary to keep him with the Broncos after a 13-and-1 season and a loss in the Cotton Bowl this week to Wisconsin.
The Minnesota fired coach Tracy Claeys earlier this week, shortly after the team’s victory in the Holiday Bowl, over Washington State. The program found itself in a standoff between players and administrators over the suspension of 10 players in connection with an alleged sexual assault.
