pk2
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2010
- Messages
- 321
- Reaction score
- 272
- Points
- 63
Yesterday, Stewart Mandel posted a Q&A in The Athletic, in which his answer to one question referred to PJ Fleck (see a different thread in GH). Today, also in The Athletic, Andy Staples answers a question specifically referring to Fleck, as follows:
Question: Dear Andy,
How big of a program do you think it is realistic for P.J. Fleck to rise to? It seems he has a schtick, a schtick that works and Minnesota has embraced it for all it is worth. Would some blueblood program be willing to take him in and let him put “Row the Boat” all over their uniforms and facilities? For reference, I’m a Kansas grad and I’d chafe at “Row the Boat” usurping “Rock Chalk” even if it meant a winning football program, though I’ll admit I may be in the minority on that one. — Brian
Andy Staples’ answer: Fleck’s results suggest he’d be a candidate at any level, but his style might turn off some ADs at blueblood programs. This is a mistake, because the techniques and mantras that Fleck’s detractors deride as schtick are merely natural extensions of the man himself. That’s who he is, and he’s well aware he isn’t for everyone. But building through recruiting and winning are for everyone, so I think most administrators would be willing to accept Fleck’s style to get his substance.
Would he be able to change the uniforms at an Auburn or a Penn State? Nope. But he’s smart enough to understand that.
Also, allow me to add an alternative path for Fleck’s career based on the current college football economy. He’s at a job in the Big Ten West where he has proven he can win double-digit games. That means he doesn’t need to go anywhere if he doesn’t want to.
The Big Ten brings in the most TV money of any league, and it’ll probably stay that way after the SEC and Big Ten increase their leads over the other leagues in the next round of media rights deals. Minnesota will be able to give Fleck the resources he needs. The Golden Gophers can compete for division titles. They still would face a steep hill with Wisconsin in the division and Ohio State and Penn State waiting on the other side of the Big Ten, but they’d have a chance.
Plus, when — not if — the College Football Playoff expands to eight teams, there will be years when two Big Ten teams make the tournament. So even if the beasts of the East stay great, every year could begin with a chance. And it wouldn’t require another move.
For those who subscribe to theathletic.com:
theathletic.com
Question: Dear Andy,
How big of a program do you think it is realistic for P.J. Fleck to rise to? It seems he has a schtick, a schtick that works and Minnesota has embraced it for all it is worth. Would some blueblood program be willing to take him in and let him put “Row the Boat” all over their uniforms and facilities? For reference, I’m a Kansas grad and I’d chafe at “Row the Boat” usurping “Rock Chalk” even if it meant a winning football program, though I’ll admit I may be in the minority on that one. — Brian
Andy Staples’ answer: Fleck’s results suggest he’d be a candidate at any level, but his style might turn off some ADs at blueblood programs. This is a mistake, because the techniques and mantras that Fleck’s detractors deride as schtick are merely natural extensions of the man himself. That’s who he is, and he’s well aware he isn’t for everyone. But building through recruiting and winning are for everyone, so I think most administrators would be willing to accept Fleck’s style to get his substance.
Would he be able to change the uniforms at an Auburn or a Penn State? Nope. But he’s smart enough to understand that.
Also, allow me to add an alternative path for Fleck’s career based on the current college football economy. He’s at a job in the Big Ten West where he has proven he can win double-digit games. That means he doesn’t need to go anywhere if he doesn’t want to.
The Big Ten brings in the most TV money of any league, and it’ll probably stay that way after the SEC and Big Ten increase their leads over the other leagues in the next round of media rights deals. Minnesota will be able to give Fleck the resources he needs. The Golden Gophers can compete for division titles. They still would face a steep hill with Wisconsin in the division and Ohio State and Penn State waiting on the other side of the Big Ten, but they’d have a chance.
Plus, when — not if — the College Football Playoff expands to eight teams, there will be years when two Big Ten teams make the tournament. So even if the beasts of the East stay great, every year could begin with a chance. And it wouldn’t require another move.
For those who subscribe to theathletic.com:
Dear Andy: Is LSU making the right play with its new coordinator hires?
Andy assesses the ceilings for both sides of the ball at LSU, for P.J. Fleck and for college football's best dodgeball prospects.
theathletic.com
