Really interesting stuff happening with the Minnesota coaching staff. As I'm sure all are aware, Jerry Kill had to step down mid-season because of his ongoing epilepsy issues.
Tracy Claeys, his long-time defensive coordinator was the interim head coach for a few weeks, before being named the permanent replacement and getting a three year contract.
The team went 1-5 down the stretch under Claeys, although in fairness, the losses were to Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa, and Wisconsin...the win was against Illinois.
So one of the big points of pride with Kill and his offensive and defensive staff was that they had been together for a long time (Southern Illinois to Northern Illinois to Minnesota)...I think it had been almost 20 years.
So the season ended at 5-7 and almost immediately, Claeys, the new head coach fires the offensive coordinator...someone he had been on staff with for a long time. Ironically, once Kill retired, the offense seemed to get better and the defense got worse.
So...needless to say the next few years will be interesting for the Gophers, but it is looking like they may have their Bill Stewart and, I hate to say it, Kyle Flood at the helm.
Tracy Claeys, his long-time defensive coordinator was the interim head coach for a few weeks, before being named the permanent replacement and getting a three year contract.
The team went 1-5 down the stretch under Claeys, although in fairness, the losses were to Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa, and Wisconsin...the win was against Illinois.
So one of the big points of pride with Kill and his offensive and defensive staff was that they had been together for a long time (Southern Illinois to Northern Illinois to Minnesota)...I think it had been almost 20 years.
So the season ended at 5-7 and almost immediately, Claeys, the new head coach fires the offensive coordinator...someone he had been on staff with for a long time. Ironically, once Kill retired, the offense seemed to get better and the defense got worse.
So...needless to say the next few years will be interesting for the Gophers, but it is looking like they may have their Bill Stewart and, I hate to say it, Kyle Flood at the helm.
