P.J. Fleck leaving Western Michigan to take over Minnesota team

P.J. Fleck will be rowing his boat from Western Michigan to take over a rocky Minnesota team.

Western Michigan announced Fleck’s decision Friday and will hold a press conference at noon local time.

His decision comes three days after Minnesota athletic director Mark Coyle fired Tracy Claeys following an issue between players and administration over the suspension of 10 players linked to sexual assault allegations.

Minnesota players nearly boycotted their participation in the Holiday Bowl last month due to an investigation held by the university, which led to the suspension of the 10 players.

Fleck guided the Broncos to an undefeated regular season record before losing to Wisconsin in the Cotton Bowl, 24-16, to finish the season 13-1. He went 30-22 in four seasons with three bowl appearances.

The 36-year-old coach’s energy and motivation are what led the Broncos past nine wins for the first time in program history and began the team’s motto, “Row the Boat,” which garnered the national spotlight.

Fleck was a wide receiver at Northern Illinois, played briefly for the San Francisco 49ers, and was an assistant coach at his alma mater, Ohio State, Rutgers, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before taking over Western Michigan.

Twitter: @edmgonzalez

[email protected]