Severe storms are rolling through central Minnesota including the Twin Cities

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

University of Minnesota head football coach Jerry Kill on Wednesday said he's 

Kill has struggled with epilepsy. He took a temporary leave of absence from the team in 2013 to deal with seizures. He said the seizures have returned.

At times breaking down during a morning press conference, Kill told reporters that leaving coaching after more than three decades on the sidelines is the hardest thing he's ever done.

Here are five audio clips from Kill's emotional announcement. 

1) Kill says his doctor told him to take care of his health

Kill said some of the effects from his illness have returned, affecting "the way he thinks," and his doctors advised him to step aside from football. 

https://soundcloud.com/mprnews/jerry-kill-i-want-to-be-able-to-think

2) On giving his all to the game and Minnesota

Kill, who was named head coach in late 2010, said he was proud of rebuilding the Gophers. He's been recognized as coach of the year by  Big Ten coaches and by reporters who cover the conference. Six Minnesota players have been drafted by NFL teams in the last few years.

https://soundcloud.com/mprnews/jerry-kill-ive-given-every-single-ounce

"This is a tough moment for me, our players and coaches," Kill said. 

https://soundcloud.com/mprnews/jerry-kill-i-was-like-their-dad

Kill says that when he walked off the practice field Tuesday night, "I felt like a part of me died. I love this game. I've always done it for my family. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to coach this game."

https://soundcloud.com/mprnews/jerry-kill-one-last-shot

Before coming to Minnesota, Kill served as head coach of Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, Emporia State University and Saginaw Valley State University.

But with his professional coaching life ending, Kill conceded he doesn't know what comes next. "That's the scary part," he said.

https://soundcloud.com/mprnews/jerry-kill-i-aint-done-anything-else

Sports

NewsPartners

Jon Collins

Author

University of Minnesota head football coach Jerry Kill on Wednesday said he's decided to leave coaching due to health concerns.

5 audio clips of Jerry Kill's news conference you need to hear

Go Deeper.

Like this?