Former NIU, SIU head coach Jerry Kill retires due to health issues

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University of Minnesota head football coach Jerry Kill announced on Wednesday morning that he is returning from his position due to medical concerns, effective immediately.

"First of all, want to thank the state of Minnesota, the people here are tremendous and have been very good to my wife, my family," Kill said in a press conference.

"You all know about my struggles. I did my best to change, but some of those struggles have returned.

"Last night when I walked off the practice field, I feel like a part of me died."

Kill, 54, was diagnosed with epilepsy and overcame kidney cancer in 2005 when he was the head coach of Southern Illinois.

Kill missed parts of four games in his five seasons as head coach of the Golden Gophers due to seizures. In 2013, Kill took an extended leave of absence to treat his epilepsy. This past summer, Kill revealed that he has been seizure-free for over a year and a half.

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In May 2015, the Kill family started a Chasing Dreams fund through the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, to support seizure-free initiatives in schools.

Before joining Minnesota in 2010, Kill served as head coach of Northern Illinois (2008-10), Southern Illinois (2001-07), Emporia State (1999-2000) and Saginaw Valley State (1994-1998).

Kill took over a Northern Illinois team that had a 2-10 record in 2007 and led them to the three straight Bowl appearances during his tenure in DeKalb.

In his seven seasons as head coach of the Salukis, Kill compiled a 55-32 record, including three MVFC titles and five playoff appearances. He was later named to the SIU Hall of Fame.

Kill compiled a career college coaching record of 156-102.

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