The University of Minnesota reported today that they signed Head Football Coach Jerry Kill to a 7-year extension. Athletic director Joel Maturi stated that “Kill has proved over the past 10 months what a great fit he is at the University of Minnesota.”
While this may not be the biggest news in the world of sports, it is definitely something worth talking about. Minnesota is 1-6 (0-3) this year with their only win coming over Miami of Ohio. They have losses to both New Mexico State and North Dakota State and have been outscored in their 3 Big 10 games by a grand total of 144-31. I was in the Big House for the 58-0 when Minnesota visited Michigan, and I can safely say this is a bottom three team in all of college football.
As if the on field performance was not bad enough, Jerry Kill suffered a seizure on the sideline in the final seconds of the New Mexico State game, the third sideline seizure of his career. I respect Kill for his passion for the game and commitment to the Minnesota program, but it is unsafe for Kill to be coaching a football considering that he has a strong history of medical issues on the sideline.
By no means is this is a article a jab at Jerry Kill or his football knowledge, but I think Minnesota made a huge mistake in extending his contract, especially for seven years. The Gophers needed to bring in a young, upbeat coach that can convince recruits to come play for him like Brady Hoke or Will Muschamp. Minnesota has not won a Big 10 Championship since 1967 and a change in culture is exactly what the Gophers need.
Expect the Gophers to continue their struggles over the next several seasons and compete with Indiana for worst in the Big 10 honors. Congratulations Minnesota, you’re probably the first program to sign a coach to a 7 year extension following what will be a 1-11 season.
Langer
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