Minnesota moves to the big time

That was quite the roller coaster the Minnesota Gophers took us on, wasn't it? First, there was the suspension of 10 players, and the resulting protest. The players realized quickly the error of their ways, but not before they left their coach out to dry. Tracy Claeys was terminated, and the University hired Western Michgan's PJ Fleck.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers hired a coach coming off of a berth in a BCS game. The University of Minnesota hired the most sought after coach of the offseason. How in the heck did that happen??
There are two factors, even though they weren't necessarily working in concert. First was the stability Jerry Kill brought to the program. Whether or not you are pleased with how Kill backed his way into bowl games in order to earn extra practices, or didn't appreciate Claeys' play calling and low energy, you must admit that the Gophers are no longer a laughing stock. They are a competitive team in one of the top conferences in the country.
Then, there is the school itself. Finally, after so many coaches have come and gone, and so many people (nobody louder than Tubby Smith) clamored for the help, the U is investing in their athletics program. They have a huge student body, a great alumni association and no competition in state. They finally decided to lean on their advantages. New AD Mark Coyle seems to have convinced the administration that they can make a lot of money on their football team if they finally decided to invest in it. They've always been able to afford it.
I have to believe that Coyle and the administration knew that Fleck would be interested in the position before Claeys was let go. It's pretty gutsy to get rid of a coach who just won 9 games, and it takes some moxie to assume the top choice for the job will take it. The only way that it make sense to have that attitude is if you are a top flight program. I never would have believed it even a couple of years ago, but it appears that the University of Minnesota has forced their way into the upper crust.