Mark Coyle affirms support for P.J. Fleck as Minnesota opens season

University of Minnesota athletic director Mark Coyle expressed continued confidence in head coach P.J. Fleck as the football program prepares for its 2026 season opener. Fleck enters his 10th season with a 66-44 overall record, having led the team to its most successful season in the modern era during 2019. Coyle defended Fleck's performance amidst recent seasons of seven or fewer regular-season wins, citing the challenges of competing within the Big Ten and limited roster spending compared to conference leaders. Coyle emphasized that Fleck remains the right coach to reach championships, despite external interest from other collegiate programs. The Gophers begin the 2026 campaign at home against Eastern Illinois on Thursday night. The administration maintains high expectations for the team to compete for a spot in an expanded College Football Playoff.

• 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — 'We're right there': Mark Coyle believes P.J. Fleck can lead Gophers to College Football Playoff