Gopher Talk

Since being named head football coach at the University of Minnesota in January, P.J. Fleck has been doing a lot of talking. In fact, his confidence, charisma and enthusiasm have set a new standard for coaches in Minnesota. But make no mistake about it—Fleck is laser-focused on establishing a strong, cohesive culture in the football program through his unique philosophy, process and approach.

Building on Proven Results

The moment Fleck wrapped up his first press conference Jan. 6, local media and Gopher fans began asking the inevitable question: Is this guy for real? He appeared to be everything Midwesterners would want in a football coach—ambitious, engaging, smart and humble. He’s not like any coach we’ve had in recent memory. Fleck, 36, looks like a marathon runner (which he is) and commands a podium like a motivational speaker. Despite the energy and speed with which he talks, he’s extremely deliberate with his language, often peppering his remarks with terms such as culture, elite, family and Row the Boat.

Though Fleck was introduced to the community with fanfare and intrigue, his unique approach has yielded results. He came from the University of Western Michigan, where as head coach, he led a dramatic turnaround of the football program. Fleck coached the Broncos from a 1-11 record in 2013 to a 12-0 undefeated record in 2016, ending the season with a No. 12 national ranking. His leadership and on-the-field success received national recognition when he was one of five finalists for National Coach of the Year.

Fleck built the University of Western Michigan football program after he established a strong, successful foundation, and he now brings the same approach to the University of Minnesota. Perhaps the most constant theme for Fleck is culture, which he defines as “connecting people.” Like a good manager, he understands the relationship between culture and performance. Surprisingly, Fleck dedicates little time—at least on camera—talking about on-the-field success for the football program. Instead, his goal is to foster the growth of student-athletes academically, athletically, socially and spiritually.

Mark Coyle, the University of Minnesota athletic director, stated he wants to build a “culture of accountability” within an athletic program that operates with “integrity and class.” Coyle hired Fleck to support his vision for the Gopher athletic program, and it’s clear the two are already in lockstep. As Fleck stated at his introductory press conference, “What I am here to do is change a culture.”

Fleck demands that his players be the very best example of a student-athlete. They are to serve and give to the community, sit in the first two rows in class, wear a collared shirt and represent the university in “first-class fashion.” While his expectations are high, the U of M hopes his vision will appeal to Gopher football recruits as much as it did while he was at the University of Western Michigan. While coaching the Broncos, Fleck’s team boasted the highest-rated recruiting class in the Mid-American Conference for four consecutive years.

Advancing the Ball in Minnesota

In the months since being hired, one of the most prominent themes with Fleck and the football program is Row the Boat. It can be seen and heard during press conferences, on YouTube videos, even on Gopher T-shirts and mugs. A carryover from Western Michigan, Row the Boat is a way of life and a never-give-up rallying cry for the entire football program and the community that supports it. According to Fleck, Row the Boat is an idea that can apply to everyone—not just athletes and teams—in his or her personal and professional lives.

The concept is that life is like rowing a boat. Your back is to the future, which is where you’re headed but cannot see. You see where you’ve been, which you can learn from but cannot change. And you’re rowing in the present, which is the only thing you can fully control. Row the Boat is about getting everyone to row in unison and never to stop, no matter what life throws at you.

Row the Boat, and many other concepts Fleck has introduced to the University of Minnesota, have been featured throughout the off-season in an online YouTube series called Gopher Talk 101. The series focuses on Fleck’s philosophy, process and language, illustrating the energy and passion he brings to the program. While the video series is technically about the football program, the content is so focused on culture that it would even be valuable as a corporate management tool or for a leadership training workshop.

There has been a tremendous amount of talk about the Gopher football program, both locally and nationally, in the past few months. There’s no doubt the interest and intrigue is due to the approach and energy Fleck has invested in the program. The Gophers are coming off a 9-4 record and a Holiday Bowl win, marking their best season since 2003. While many considered that a good season—especially by traditional Minnesota standards—Fleck has made it clear his expectations are nothing short of an elite team performance. His vision for the team is to compete for the Big West Championship, Big Ten Championship, Rose Bowl Championship and the National Championship.

Now that the season is officially kicking off, Fleck and the Minnesota Gophers can put all the talk aside and finally put the football team on full display. While it may take time before the Golden Gophers become an elite football team, the University of Minnesota is fully supportive of Fleck’s vision for the team and focus on changing the culture. With Fleck at the helm, it will certainly be an entertaining ride.

“We define culture as connecting people.” 
– P.J. Fleck

FLECK-SPEAK

When it comes to coach-speak, P.J. Fleck has his own language. Here are just some of the many terms he frequently uses:

Elite: The highest possible level of performance and a standard expected of everyone in the football program.

Failure vs. Failing: Failure is quitting; failing is a growth process.

F.A.M.I.L.Y.: Forget About Me; I Love You. It’s how teams support each other through sacrifice and dedication.

Farmer’s Alliance: Trust and unselfishness required on a team.

Nekton Mentality: Like a great white shark, it’s the always-attacking, never-full approach to life.

Prefontaine Pace: The urgent pursuit of a goal.

Row the Boat: A way of life and never-give-up mantra.