PJ Fleck Extension Proves Coaches Are Already Using Florida State as a Ploy for a Bigger Contract
By Parker White
The big news coming out of college football on Tuesday was Minnesota Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck agreeing to a seven-year extension that will keep him in Minneapolis through 2026.
The timing of this is jussstttt a little bit suspicious.
Sources: P.J. Fleck has agreed to a new seven-year contract at Minnesota. Deal includes significant pay raise for he and his staff.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 5, 2019
It made all the sense in the world for Minnesota to do it, and Fleck should give plenty of thanks to the people down in Florida State for firing Willie Taggart, who had a 9-12 record in less than two seasons before being canned.
Why? Because Florida State is still one of the biggest jobs in college football, and since that job opened up, more schools who have a great head coach at the end of their deal (like Minnesota) should be fearful that their guy departs and heads to Tallahassee.
Minnesota locks up PJ Fleck through 2026 as the No. 13 Gophers are off to an 8-0 start.
— George Balekji NBC15 (@GeorgeBalekji) November 5, 2019
Fleck's name has been floated around as a possible HC successor for Florida State or even linked to USC who may move on from Clay Helton. https://t.co/Y8xDSSASaN
The details of Fleck's new contract isn't known just yet, but it'll certainly be bigger than the $3.6 million he received per year in his first deal with Minnesota. Don't be shocked if Fleck becomes one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
Mike Norvell could be next in line for a big payday from the Memphis Tigers thanks to this FSU job opening up, as he's led them to an 8-1 start.