Report: Minnesota Coach P.J. Fleck a 'Top Candidate' to Replace Chip Kelly at UCLA

UCLA coach Chip Kelly is leaving the program to take over as the offensive coordinator at Ohio State. It's being reported that Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck is a "top candidate" for the job with the Bruins.

The coaching carousel never truly ends, does it? On Friday, it was reported by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic that UCLA coach Chip Kelly would leave the program to be the next offensive coordinator at Ohio State. A strong candidate to replace Kelly? Minnesota's P.J. Fleck.

Is that enough information for your Friday afternoon?

ESPN reported that Bill O'Brien was leaving Ohio State for the head coaching job at Boston College, leaving the Buckeyes in need of an offensive coordinator. Shortly after that announcement, Feldman reported that Kelly was leaving Los Angeles for Columbus.

Because the moves are made so late in the calendar, UCLA needs a list of candidates ... and quickly. Per Action Network's Brett McMurphy, Fleck is expected to be among the top candidates for the Bruins.

UCLA coach Chip Kelly leaving to become Ohio State’s OC, @BruceFeldmanCFB reports. When Day was New Hampshire’s QB, Kelly was UNH’s OC. Expect Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck among UCLA’s top candidates

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) February 9, 2024

Fleck just completed his seventh season at Minnesota, finishing with a 6-7 record. The Golden Gophers defeated Bowling Green 30-24 in the Quick Lane Bowl.

In his seven seasons at Minnesota, Fleck has led the Golden Gophers to a 50-34 record and five bowl appearances. The team's best season came in 2019, finishing with an 11-2 record and a victory over Auburn in the Outback Bowl.

Prior to his time at Minnesota, Fleck was the coach at Western Michigan for four seasons. The Broncos were 30-22 in that span, playing in three bowl games.

In 2016, Western Michigan posted a 13-1 record, going undefeated in the regular season and winning a conference title. The Broncos dropped the Cotton Bowl game to Wisconsin 24-16.

Kelly was the coach at UCLA for six seasons. The Bruins posted a 35-34 record.

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