Minnesota’s HC P.J. Fleck Reveals How He Builds Players Into Men

This week on Next Up With Adam Breneman, Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck sits down for a wide-ranging conversation on building a program, leading through change, and the personal experiences that shaped his “Row The Boat” culture.

Fleck reflects on the moments that defined his tenure at Minnesota — from snapping a 15-year losing streak to Wisconsin, to the program-changing upset over Penn State in 2019. He explains how his background as a 6th-grade teacher influenced his coaching style, why he believes “control is for amateurs,” and what he looks for in both recruits and young coaches.

The conversation also dives into how Fleck keeps his program transformational in an era that’s increasingly transactional. He shares why Minnesota has one of the nation’s highest retention rates, how his staff manages NIL and revenue sharing, and the importance of honesty and transparency with players when money is involved.

Fleck opens up about the origin of “Row The Boat,” born after the loss of his infant son, and how it became a symbol of resilience for Minnesota football and the community. He also discusses the advice he received from Greg Schiano, the lessons he’s learned in 13 years as a head coach, and the legacy he hopes his players remember: not wins, but the life lessons of being better husbands, fathers, and leaders.

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CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro

1:07 - Defining last 9 years at Minnesota

2:52 - Building culture at Minnesota

6:06 - Evolving as a Head Coach

9:36 - Traits in young coaches

11:38 - Transparency with players

14:37 - Shifting Model for Revenue Sharing

16:48 - Coach Fleck’s favorite part of the job

18:43 - Elevating the Minnesota Football Brand

20:18 - Row The Boat origin story

22:15 - Minnesota is a life program

23:20 - What still needs to happen at Minnesota

24:32 - Best advice Coach Fleck has ever received

27:40 - Coach Fleck’s why

29:15 - What Coach Fleck wants his players to say about him

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.