PJ Fleck isn’t going anywhere — and now the Gophers are making sure of it.
Not that there was much speculation to begin with, but Minnesota is ready to extend its commitment to its head coach. Fleck is set to receive a one-year contract extension, pending approval at the upcoming Board of Regents meeting on July 9, which would keep him in Dinkytown through the 2030 season.
Fleck, just 44 years old, left Western Michigan to take over the Gophers program in 2017. Since then, he has led the Gophers to five winning seasons, a 58-39 record, and four bowl victories — delivering some of the program’s most consistent success in recent decades.
Under the terms of the extension, Fleck’s base salary stays at $6 million per year — the same figure from his last contract amendment in March 2024. The new deal also adds retention bonuses designed to keep him with the program for years to come.
The deal includes escalating retention payments starting at $1 million for the upcoming season, split evenly between September 1 and December 31 payouts. Those bonuses increase annually, reaching $1.6 million by the final year of the deal.
Here’s the full retention schedule:
- 2025: $1 million ($500,000 paid September 1, $500,000 paid December 31)
- 2026: $1.2 million
- 2027: $1.3 million
- 2028: $1.4 million
- 2029: $1.5 million
- 2030: $1.6 million
Factoring in retention bonuses, Fleck’s total compensation now ranks tied for 11th among Big Ten head coaches in the newly expanded 18-member conference.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
The deal also comes with steep buyout protections on both sides, another sign that Fleck is positioned to stick around for the long haul. If he leaves for another coaching or broadcasting job, he would owe the university $5.5 million if he departs after the 2025 season, or $4.5 million if he leaves after 2026.
Meanwhile, the university can terminate the agreement without cause but would owe Fleck 70% of the remaining salary, bonuses, and supplemental compensation if they make that decision before 2030.
Fleck has had a strong offseason, landing a commitment from four-star athlete Roman Voss, who chose Minnesota over Alabama in the 2026 class. With three four-star recruits and the No. 21 overall class ranking so far, the Gophers are clearly building momentum.
That progress reflects why Minnesota is doubling down on Fleck’s leadership, backing him with a significant financial commitment to keep the program moving forward.
