Minnesota Coach Jerry Kill will take break to deal with seizures

University of Minnesota football Coach Jerry Kill said Thursday he is taking a leave from his duties to continue medical treatment for his epileptic seizures.

“My wife Rebecca, myself and our two daughters want to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns during the last few weeks,” Kill said in a statement. “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 [Tracy] 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.”

Minnesota’s third-year coach suffered another seizure last Saturday that forced him to miss the Gophers’ game at Michigan.

Claeys, the Gophers’ defensive coordinator, will serve as acting coach in Kill’s absence.

Kill has suffered at least four game-day seizures since becoming head coach in 2011.

Minnesota Athletic Director Norwood Teague said the school’s support for Kill is unwavering and that he looked forward to Kill’s full-time return to coaching.

Minnesota is 4-2 this season and has a bye this week before playing at Northwestern on Oct. 19.

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