Minnesota AD: Claeys Has ‘Full Support’ As Football Coach

Athletic director Mark Coyle said Monday that Claeys has his "full support" after an 8-4 finish by the Gophers in 2016, including a 5-4 record in the Big Ten. This was the first full year for Claeys running the program. He took over at midseason last year following the retirement of predecessor Jerry Kill.

The total compensation for Claeys this season was $1.4 million. His current contract runs through 2018, but the buyout for the university would have been only $500,000 had Coyle decided to replace him now. Coaches at power conference programs typically operate with more than two years remaining on their deals to help assure recruits of stability.