Minneapolis — Minnesota coach Jerry Kill suffered a seizure that kept him sidelined in the second half of the Gophers’ game against Michigan State.
The seizure occurred in the locker room during halftime as Minnesota was returning to the field. Athletic director Norwood Teague said, after the Gophers lost 26-10 to the Spartans Saturday, Kill was resting comfortably and all of his vital signs were fine. The 51-year-old was cleared to go home and didn’t have to go to the hospital.
Teague said, “I know this will bring up questions about him and moving forward, but we have 100 percent confidence in Jerry. He’s as healthy as a horse, as they say. It’s just an epileptic situation … that he deals with.”
Defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys took over coaching duties in the second half from the press box. Gophers players, now used to their coach’s condition, didn’t give the incident a second thought.
“To be real with you guys, I didn’t even think about it,” defensive end D.L. Wilhite said. “Whether coach Kill was out there or not, our jobs didn’t change.”
Cornerback Michael Carttt said, “Of course, we worry, but at the same time, we know what he wants. He wants to win.”
Kill had a seizure near the end of a home game against New Mexico State last season and had to leave the field. He was away from the team for several days as doctors tried to bring his condition back under control.
The coach also suffered a seizure after Minnesota’s homecoming loss to Northwestern on October 13.
