UW's Paul Chryst, Minnesota's P.J. Fleck guide their programs with different styles

MADISON – The football rivalry between Wisconsin and Minnesota, which began in 1890 and spans 126 games, is as colorful off the field as it is between the goal lines. 

Minnesota fans view their rivals across the state line as arrogant. They argue UW’s run of success that began with Barry Alvarez’s arrival in 1990 is evidence of a Johnny-come-lately program that lacks the rich tradition of their program, which boasts seven national titles.

UW fans argue most of the Gophers’ national titles were won when helmets were leather and that Minnesota’s last Big Ten title came 50 years ago in 1967. They chortle because the Gophers struggle to fill TCF Bank Stadium, which has a listed capacity of 50,805, and point to UW's 13-game winning streak in the series.

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One marker in the DNA of both programs is the reliance on powerful offensive lines and talented runners. 

“If you look at the two teams, the talent and how we want to build a roster,” former UW wide receiver Brandon Williams said, “they’re pretty identical.”

The current head coaches – UW’s Paul Chryst and Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck – could not be more disparate. Their differences will be on display when the Gophers (5-6, 2-6 Big Ten) host UW (11-0, 8-0) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

Fleck was 32 when he was named head coach at Western Michigan in 2013. Before that, he was an assistant with four teams, over a span of seven years. 

Chryst was an assistant with nine teams, over a span of 23 years, before he was named head coach at Pittsburgh in 2011 at age 46.

Fleck promotes Minnesota’s program with the same zeal he did in his four seasons at Western Michigan.

He sprints down the sideline, seemingly trying to outrun his players, to celebrate big plays. Celebratory hip-bumps appear mandatory. He wears hand-painted, custom shoes the day of each game and his attire appears tailored to fit his lean frame.

His press briefings are high energy and he eagerly participated in a four-part miniseries – Being P.J. Fleck – on ESPNU earlier this year.

“A lot of people talk about self-promotion or self-promoters,” said Fleck, who acknowledges his personality isn't embraced by everyone. “Isn’t every head football coach in Division I, especially in this league, a self-promoter of their program, of their culture? 

“That’s what we’re paid to do. We’re the front porch of the institution. We get paid a lot of money to be the face of the program.”

No one who has met Chryst would ever call him a promoter. He wants his players to follow the words of his late father, George.

“Have fun ... play the game.”

Asked on the field seconds after the 24-10 victory over Michigan what type of statement UW made, Chryst didn't bite.

“We had a game today against a really good team in Michigan,” he said. “Our kids fought through it and I’m proud of the way they played. And we won today.

“We should enjoy that tonight, then we come back and then we’ve got another opportunity to finish out the season. That’s what it’s all about.”

Chryst doesn’t sprint. The only time you’ll see him move quickly is when he needs to get the attention of an official to call a timeout or when he senses a lull in questions during a press briefing and he uses that moment to exit the room.

His sideline attire against Michigan – a gray Badgers Football hoodie and a red baseball cap – appears as if it was purchased at The University Book Store.

Sideline celebration? After Alex Hornibrook fired a 24-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Taylor to give UW the lead for good against Michigan, Chryst responded with a double fist pump, followed by polite clapping.

When Minnesota and UW had byes on Sept. 23, both head coaches used the time to hit the recruiting trail.

Fleck flew by helicopter to Lakeville, Minn., about 25 miles south of the Twin Cities. 

Chryst drove to Carroll University in Waukesha, about 64 miles from the UW campus.

Fleck arrived wearing a Gophers No. 68 uniform top.

Chryst was wearing shorts and a UW shirt. 

High-flying vs. low key.

Ask Fleck about his coaching roots and you’ll need to buckle up.

“I knew I wanted to be a head football coach at a very young age,” he said. “I knew that. But I knew I also had to get around some of the best head football coaches in the country. I knew I had to work my way up.

"My dad is not in the coaching profession. I don't have that luxury. I don't have any family members that were ever a coach. I don’t have all of that. My dad worked for Terminix and AT&T, and my mom is a teacher’s aide.”

That was part of a lengthy answer Fleck provided the day before Western Michigan and UW met in the 2017 Cotton Bowl. Chryst was seated next to Fleck.

Ask Chryst about his coaching roots and he’ll likely talk about learning the game at the foot of his late father, who died on Dec. 3, 1992.

The conversation will be heartfelt but brief.

“Obviously, he’s not the type of guy who’s gonna do the best interviews,” redshirt junior left tackle Michael Deiter said. “But he’s a great coach and he’s a great person. And that’s what you want.

"You’d rather have a coach like that other than someone who could sit at a podium and sound perfect.”