It looks like Minnesota’s undefeated start is about to pay off for head coach P.J. Fleck.

Fleck has improved the record of the Gophers every year in his three seasons on the job. After a 5-7 mark in 2016, he led Minnesota to a 7-6 season and a bowl win in 2018.

Now, the Gophers are 8-0 heading into a huge showdown against also undefeated Penn State. Regardless of that outcome, Minnesota has already eclipsed 2018’s win total with hopes of an even bigger season in store.

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As of Monday evening, Megan Ryan with the Star Tribune is also reporting that Fleck and Minnesota are nearing an extension of his contract. He originally signed a five-year deal in 2016 but earned one-year extensions in 2017 and 2018.

Details of the expected extension, as well as when the deal may be completed, are not yet known:

A new deal for the Gophers coach is in the works, a source with knowledge of the situation said Monday evening, and is close to being done…

The source would not disclose specifics of the negotiations, just that Fleck and the Gophers have been in discussions for awhile and are quite far along in the process. Athletics director Mark Coyle could not be reached for comment. Fleck’s agent, Bryan Harlan, declined to comment on the matter.

At this point, an extension sure looks well-earned with Fleck’s name becoming one of the hottest in the country. It also could be good timing for the Gophers, considering the high-profile vacancies at USC and Florida State.