The Gophers made a splash in January when they hired Western Michigan head coach P.J. Fleck. An instant energy injection quickly engulfed a Minnesota program yearning for positive national attention. Before even taking a snap, an ESPN reality show, numerous national feature stories, and multiple viral scholarship surprises have placed the program’s brand in the spotlight.
P.J. Fleck, the 36-year-old fireball of energy, has intrigued the local football scene with his “Row the Boat” mantra and community presence. The next phase in the establishment of his culture starts Thursday when the Gophers kick off the season against Buffalo at TCF Bank Stadium.