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P.J. Fleck updates Minnesota’s play-calling duties following departure of OC Kirk Ciarrocca
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Minnesota is putting the finishing touches on its best season since 2003, but the team is now dealing with the unfortunate departure of a key assistant.
It was officially announced Thursday morning that the Gophers are losing OC Kirk Ciarrocca. Not only is that a tough loss, but it makes it sting a little bit more knowing he is headed to another B1G school in Penn State.
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Ciarrocca had been with P.J. Fleck going back to his time at Western Michigan with the offense really showing strides this season behind the work of QB Tanner Morgan, WR Rashod Bateman, and a host of other players. Now that Ciarrocca is gone, Minnesota must make some adjustments to the staff for the upcoming Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day.
On Thursday evening, Fleck indicated that receivers coach Matt Simon will also call plays in the game against Auburn. Greg Harbaugh will also shift into the role of QBs coach for the rest of bowl prep and the game.
Andy Greder with the Pioneer Press shared Fleck’s update:
With the departure of Kirk Ciarrocca to Penn State, #Gophers receivers coach Matt Simon will serve as play caller in the Outback Bowl, and offensive quality control assistant Greg Harbaugh will be the quarterbacks coach, PJ Fleck said Thursday.
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) December 26, 2019
Hopefully, the late shift in offensive staff will not hinder the Gophers. They are already facing a tough Auburn defense in the Outback Bowl.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.