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PJ Fleck's Minnesota Golden Gophers suffered a 27-24 loss to the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday to fall to 2-3 on the season. Minnesota won't be a playoff team in 2024, as the Golden Gophers haven't been a legit Big Ten contender for years.
After the loss to Michigan, PJ Fleck said that the upcoming schedule will test Minnesota's mettle. He said (via 247Sports):
"I told this team after I'd do anything for them, anything for them. How proud of them I am of them. We're way beyond moral victories in this program, way beyond moral victories. This has nothing to do with that. Every single person in that room knew, and thought, we were going to win that football game. Period. That's the way they think.
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"We've played some really good opponents. I think we're starting to find out what we're going to have to be and what we're going to be as an offense, defense and special teams, as we continue to go and as part of playing some really good football teams."
PJ Fleck has been the coach at Minnesota since 2017 and has led the program to a 52-37 record. However, he has never played in a Big Ten championship game, so if Minnesota decides to move on from him this offseason, here are three candidates who could replace him.
Potential PJ Fleck replacements in 2024
#1 Jason Candle, Toledo HC
Jason Candle is one of the top coaches in college and should be in line for a major job soon. He has been the full-time coach of the Toledo Rockets since 2016 and has led the MAC school to a 68-36 record, including two conference titles.
Candle is a renowned coach and recruiter, and with more assets and help at a bigger school, he could thrive in Minnesota.
#2 Andy Kotelnicki, Penn State OC
If Minnesota fires PJ Fleck, hiring someone in the Big Ten would be a logical option.
Penn State Nittany Lions offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki is a name to watch for a coaching job this season, especially with what he has done this season. Quarterback Drew Allar has looked amazing this season.
So, if Penn State can get into the college football playoff, it will help his chances of being a coach.
#3 Ryan Silverfield, Memphis HC
Ryan Silverfield will be a name to watch out for, especially if the Memphis Tigers win the AAC. Memphis is off to a 4-1 start, including an upset win over Florida State.
Silverfield has led the Tigers to a 35-20 record, including 10-3 last season. He has done a good job recruiting and in the transfer portal, so getting more tools to help him could see him thrive. Minnesota likely won't be the only Power 4 school interested in Silverfield, though.
