(WMU)P.J. Fleck accepts head-coaching position at Minnesota

[JonLP24]

P. J. Fleck has left Western Michigan and will become the next head coach at Minnesota.

Fleck will receive a five-year deal at Minnesota, the school announced Friday. The contract is worth $18.5 million, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

"It is with mixed emotions that I announce my decision to leave Western Michigan University for the head football coaching job at the University of Minnesota," Fleck said in a statement to WMMT in Kalamazoo, Michigan. "Although I am grateful for and excited about this opportunity, this was a very difficult decision to make; one that involved much introspection and prayer. Heather and I love Kalamazoo and the Western Michigan University family of staff, students, alumni and fans. I simply feel called to take on this new challenge and to start a new chapter in my family's journey. I am proud of what we have accomplished together in Kalamazoo. I feel we have left WMU football in a much better place than when we arrived here. That was our mission. I'll always be your fan and friend. RTB PJ."

Fleck and former LSU coach Les Miles both interviewed for Minnesota's vacant coaching job in the past few days, sources told ESPN's Brett McMurphy.

http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/18418215/minnesota-golden-gophers-hire-pj-fleck-replace-tracy-claeys

[trotsky]

1. Surprised the Gophers got him.

Kudos to the athletic department for moving so quickly and making a deal.

Hoping his success at WMU continues at the U of M. He'll certainly be motivated to beat the Badgers.

[bluedigger]

2. So the Gophers are on Fleck now?

[El Supremo]

3. I don't get that, but does he have two left feet?