Minnesota’s Jerry Kill taking time from coaching to focus on epilepsy treatment

Minnesota announced Thursday that head coach Jerry Kill is going to take time off in order to focus on treating his epilepsy. Kill has twice suffered seizures this season, the most recent of them coming prior to the Gophers’ game against Michigan last Saturday. That prevented him from traveling with the team to Ann Arbor.

Defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys, who is a long-time member of Kill’s coaching staff, will serve as the head coach until Kill’s return. A timetable for his return hasn’t been set, though athletics director Norwood Teague said in a statement that Kill will “remain in very close contact with the team and his staff and provide direction and support as needed.”

Kill released this statement:

“My wife Rebecca, myself and our two daughters want to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns during the last few weeks. This was a difficult decision to make, but the right decision. Our staff has been together a long time and I have full confidence in Coach Claeys and them during my time away. Every decision that will be made will be in the best interest of the players and the program. I look forward to returning to the Minnesota sideline on a full-time basis soon.”

A press conference featuring Claeys and Teague is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. ET.

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