STrib: P.J. Fleck and the Gophers face even more big decisions this offseason

[BleedGopher]

Per Randy:

Key decision ahead​

Fleck's most important decision on defense for the Gophers this offseason will be his choice to replace defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, who led top-10 national defenses in 2019, 2021 and 2022 and left after the regular season to take the same job at Michigan State. Fleck praised safeties coach Danny Collins for his work in calling the defensive plays in the bowl game and also said that a decision could come during the first week of January.

While a program's high school recruiting class might not make an immediate difference on the field, the Gophers appear to have assembled a solid group. They landed the top-ranked player from Minnesota in Esko four-star safety Koi Perich, who stuck with his April commitment to Fleck despite a late push by Ohio State that included a home visit from Buckeyes coach Ryan Day on the weekend before early signing day.

It's clear that the Gophers will need to be better than they were in 2023 to compete in the new Big Ten. Fleck and his staff are addressing the issues and trying to improve the roster. How well they have done will play out next fall.

P.J. Fleck and the Gophers face even more big decisions this offseason

Gophers football insider: The Quick Lane Bowl re-established Darius Taylor as the team's go-to back. Now Fleck must hire a defensive coordinator and pick a new starting QB.

www.startribune.com

Go Gophers!!