MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) -
Jerry Kill will continue to take time away from the Gophers football program to focus on his epilepsy treatment, University of Minnesota athletics director Norwood Teague said Thursday.
Defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys will continue to serve as acting head coach during Jerry Kill's absence.
"He has made this decision to try this before, but as he's felt better, he's put it off," Claeys explained. "It's a big step for him."
Kill has suffered five game-day seizures in three seasons with the Gophers, including a seizure that kept him home from the team's game at Michigan last weekend. The latter prompted the decision for Kill to focus on his health until his doctors give him the all-clear to head back to the sidelines.
Kill could return to the sidelines as soon as Oct. 19 at Northwestern, but no matter what happens, Claeys insisted that the players will continue to come first.
The Gophers are on a bye week and do not play this Saturday.
JERRY KILL 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."
NORWOOD TEAGUE STATEMENT
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Jerry Kill on leave from Gophers to focus on epilepsy treatment