Brief
P.J. Fleck celebrates 100th career win as Minnesota beats Michigan at home
The Gophers' 27‑24 victory over Michigan gave Fleck his 100th win and ended a 49‑year home drought against the rival.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck recorded his 100th career win on Oct. 7, 2026, as the Gophers defeated Michigan 27‑24 in Minneapolis, their first home win over the Wolverines since 1977.
What happened
The game, played at Huntington Bank Stadium, saw Minnesota take a 27‑24 edge in the final minutes, securing a 4‑1 overall record and a 2‑0 start in Big Ten play. After the final whistle, Fleck sprinted to the locker room, leapt into the arms of his players and doused his face with water from the Little Brown Jug.
What the reports add
The Associated Press story notes that Fleck, now 100‑67 over 14 seasons and 10 at Minnesota, described the day as his "self‑professed best day in football." It also recounts his habit of celebrating wins with a locker‑room leap, a tradition that began in 2013 at Western Michigan when the Broncos earned their first win after an 0‑8 start.
What was said
"We celebrate every single win, just like that. We just happened to have a trophy in this one," Fleck told reporters, emphasizing that the team never takes winning for granted and that fun remains central to their approach.
How it came about
Fleck’s energetic style has propelled Minnesota to a 4‑1 start, the program's first 2‑0 Big Ten opening since a six‑game conference winning streak in 2019. The victory follows a recent "blood brother" moment in which Fleck wiped blood from linebacker Maverick Baranowski’s mouth after a 27‑24 win over Washington, highlighting his hands‑on leadership.
Key facts
- P.J. Fleck earned his 100th career win as head coach. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Minnesota defeated Michigan 27‑24 at home. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- It was Minnesota's first home win over Michigan since 1977. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Fleck's record is now 100‑67 overall, 10 seasons at Minnesota. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Minnesota improved to 4‑1 overall and 2‑0 in Big Ten play. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “P. J. Fleck has reached 100 career wins. Minnesota is happy to keep rowing with him”
