Do Kill's in-game seizures hurt the Gopher program?

[Sportsfan24]

You made a lot of assumptions there.

Here's another way to look at this: Does anyone think that his health issues may also bring the team closer together? Your head coach has this disease and goes through these things, yet continues to work his butt off and doesn't use it as an excuse. That certainly would give me an appreciation for what he's doing and increase my respect for him. Talk about a real-life example of
fighting through adversity.

Maybe I'm way off base but it is a thought.

Not assumptions...experience. I have been through it as a athlete and parent of a athlete who on both occasions garnered the opinion of others who were also going through it at the same time (doesn't mean I know everything).

Sure, adversity can bring a team together but it doesn't necessarily make folks who aren't already a part of team want to join (recruiting).

 

[MNVCGUY]

Internally though, day to day operations of the program should become easier allowing the staff and Kill to work less on reigning in and teaching expectations to the players and more on X's, O's, and prepping for the opponents. You assume Kill gives a fart about what people think about him or the program. Expectations should be the same every year regardless, win the conference. Go to a bowl. Keep academics strong, etc.

I never said anything about public expectaions because you are correct in the end the coach could care less about what the fans think as long as the people in charge are happy with the job he is doing.

That is why my point was right now he is getting a free pass from NT and the administration because he is in year 2. Going forward though they are going to expect the wins to start coming and the fans to start showing up in greater numbers. If the team takes a step back in the future that is what will lead to him potentially getting fired so from a pressure standpoint he is going to be constantly under increasing pressure to continue to move up the Big Ten pecking order. Some routines may get easier over time but the stress level will stay constant and the pressure to win and keep winning will only increase with time. Right now 2-6 in the conference is ok, next year it probably will be as well but by 2014 or so 2-6 in the conference will get him fired.

 

[50PoundHead]

Kill's health issues may bring the team closer together, but if his health issues are making top recruits wary (and I will admit we don't know that), we're still a team of ponies playing against horses.

 

[GophersInIowa]

Not assumptions...experience. I have been through it as a athlete and parent of a athlete who on both occasions garnered the opinion of others who were also going through it at the same time (doesn't mean I know everything).

Sure, adversity can bring a team together but it doesn't necessarily make folks who aren't already a part of team want to join (recruiting).

I know you've been through it and all. I just don't think it should be an assumption that every recruit puts those things in that order.

And I understand your second point. I was just saying that there could be a little bit of positive in the whole situation. We tend to always look at the negative, that's all.

 

[MNVCGUY]

Kill's health issues may bring the team closer together, but if his health issues are making top recruits wary (and I will admit we don't know that), we're still a team of ponies playing against horses.

I can see the condition working both ways.

1) A lot of players will respect Kill for not letting the condition stop him from pursuign his dreams and doing what he love.
2) Some may see it as a bad thing when their leader is unable to be on the sideline or at team functions. Football is a tough guy game and you look to your head coach to be that steadying influence on the team. When he can't be there that has to be seen as a negative by some guys I would think.

 

[50PoundHead]

I can see the condition working both ways.

1) A lot of players will respect Kill for not letting the condition stop him from pursuign his dreams and doing what he love.
2) Some may see it as a bad thing when their leader is unable to be on the sideline or at team functions. Football is a tough guy game and you look to your head coach to be that steadying influence on the team. When he can't be there that has to be seen as a negative by some guys I would think.

I'm agreeing with Sportsfan24's point that kids will shy away from a program where health issues may affect a coach's ability to continue in the job. With the coaching turnover we've seen here over the past decade, the bus keeps going in circles to make sure it hits all the guys being thrown in its path.

 

[Sportsfan24]

I know you've been through it and all. I just don't think it should be an assumption that every recruit puts those things in that order.

And I understand your second point. I was just saying that there could be a little bit of positive in the whole situation. We tend to always look at the negative, that's all.

My bad, I misunderstood you. That's a fair point.

 

[Bob_Loblaw]

Are we assuming that Hageman enters the draft? I might have missed something.

If not he is our best player, hands down. Michael Carter is probably close with him this year, but going into next year he is our most special player and he will be an NFL DT. The guy simply changes everything, it all starts with him.

Our DL will be every bit as good if not better than this past year going forward.

Our LBers will be fine in the same way they were fine this year. Aaron Hill was probably our best LBer this year. Beal and Manuel played a ton and I don't think there was much of a difference when those guys replaced Rallis/Reeves/etc.

The only player who will be really difficult to replace is Michael Carter.

Offensively, every single player is back. The only way this team takes a step down is if you think the loss of Michael Carter trumps the development of Nelson, McDonald, Harbison, Plsek, Keith, Ekpe, Goodger, etc.

 

[50PoundHead]

Are we assuming that Hageman enters the draft? I might have missed something.

If not he is our best player, hands down. Michael Carter is probably close with him this year, but going into next year he is our most special player and he will be an NFL DT. The guy simply changes everything, it all starts with him.

Our DL will be every bit as good if not better than this past year going forward.

Our LBers will be fine in the same way they were fine this year. Aaron Hill was probably our best LBer this year. Beal and Manuel played a ton and I don't think there was much of a difference when those guys replaced Rallis/Reeves/etc.

The only player who will be really difficult to replace is Michael Carter.

Offensively, every single player is back. The only way this team takes a step down is if you think the loss of Michael Carter trumps the development of Nelson, McDonald, Harbison, Plsek, Keith, Ekpe, Goodger, etc.

I don't disagree that we have a ton of guys coming back, but who do we beat next year that we didn't beat this year? Iowa? Indiana replaces Illinois on the schedule (and that game is at home, so we may probably trade win-for-win there). Penn State replaces Purdue and I'm not as confident about that one.

We need to get a lot better.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

Also don't forget the AD; he didn't hire Kill. He wouldn't have hired Kill. The only reason Kill was hired was because he was the best man who wanted the job with a lame duck AD and President.

How do you know this? Is this some more of your famous "insider information?"

To the best of my knowledge, Teague has never made any type of public comment that has not been supportive of Kill. Let's face it - nobody "really" knows what Teague would have done in the same situation - in fact, given the same set of circumstances and the same pool of candidates as Maturi, Teague may have done exactly what Maturi did.
Until Teague has to make a major coaching hire, nobody knows for sure how he will handle it. Who knows, Teague might screw things up so badly that people will be wishing Maturi was back...................or not.

 

[MNVCGUY]

How do you know this? Is this some more of your famous "insider information?"

To the best of my knowledge, Teague has never made any type of public comment that has not been supportive of Kill. Let's face it - nobody "really" knows what Teague would have done in the same situation - in fact, given the same set of circumstances and the same pool of candidates as Maturi, Teague may have done exactly what Maturi did.
Until Teague has to make a major coaching hire, nobody knows for sure how he will handle it. Who knows, Teague might screw things up so badly that people will be wishing Maturi was back...................or not.

Good god I hope Teague would not have done what Maturi would have done. Not so much in the end hiring of Kill but the process it took to get to that decision. They bungled that process as many ways as they possibly good, spent a ton of money on a search firm, conducted one of the least organized and least secretive national seraches only to end up settling on a guy they could have had on day one because no one else was beating down his door to come coach their team.

No way to know whether or not Teague would have hired Kill if he were in charge however it can not be stated enough that he DID NOT hire Kill and therefore he will be publically loyal to him but that doesnt' mean he is going to put up with an extended rebuilding process by a coach he did not pick.

If the team keeps struggling and ticket sales don't rebound Teague will pull the plug after 3-4 seasons to bring in his own guy and make his mark on the athletic department. To believe otherwise is to be oblivious to the way things work in athletics these days. There is no such thing as loyalty, it is all about winning and protecting yourself and your job.

 

[Formo]

Personally I have changed my mind and now I don't believe he will be here after next season;

I stopped reading after this. Ignorant post, my kind sir. This isn't the NFL. Year 4 will be the make or break year. But even then, he's got a 7 year contract. We are stuck with Jerry Kill regardless.

 

[WorkingMyTailOff]

I still feel that we have a solid coaching staff. I would maybe feel differently if the continuity between Coach Kill and his assistants didn't exist. However, with that continuity in place, his assistants and their assistants know exactly what needs to be done.
I am hoping for everyone's sake (especially the coach's) that they can find a way to treat his illness so he doesn't have major seizures going forward.

 

[Rosemountian]

If Kill missing time isn't a big deal, Why do we need him in the first place? Couldn't we just save money if it doesn't matter if he is there or not?

 

[Sportsfan24]

I stopped reading after this. Ignorant post, my kind sir. This isn't the NFL. Year 4 will be the make or break year. But even then, he's got a 7 year contract. We are stuck with Jerry Kill regardless.

No this mother....er didnt just call me ignorant? It's not like they didn't buy out Monson, Brewster and I believe Mason's contract.

Being serious: Jerry leaving was not a wishful statement. I certainly want coach Kill to get better and have a long golden gopher career. I was just coming from the position that Teague may more easily decide to go in a different direction because neither he nor the President have anything to do with Jerry being hired. Also keep in mind Mrs. Kill (Jerry won't quit) may make him quit if she think he's doing himself harm.

Let's just both hope you are wrong and I am in fact....gulp....ignorant.

 

[Formo]

No this mother....er didnt just call me ignorant? It's not like they didn't buy out Monson, Brewster and I believe Mason's contract.

lol No, just your post was ignorant. Brew, BASEMENT BREW still got into his 5th year before being canned. You don't think they'll at least afford Jerry 4?! C'mon man!!

Being serious: Jerry leaving was not a wishful statement. I certainly want coach Kill to get better and have a long golden gopher career. I was just coming from the position that Teague may more easily decide to go in a different direction because neither he nor the President have anything to do with Jerry being hired. Also keep in mind Mrs. Kill (Jerry won't quit) may make him quit if she think he's doing himself harm.

Let's just both hope you are wrong and I am in fact....gulp....ignorant.

You think the U can afford to buy out yet ANOTHER coach? Maybe they will, but judging how the new prexy loves and greatly approved the Kill hire, I'm certain that even if the Jerry Kill experiment/health fails, they'll ride out the majority of the contract.

 

[Go4]

lol No, just your post was ignorant. Brew, BASEMENT BREW still got into his 5th year before being canned. You don't think they'll at least afford Jerry 4?! C'mon man!!



You think the U can afford to buy out yet ANOTHER coach? Maybe they will, but judging how the new prexy loves and greatly approved the Kill hire, I'm certain that even if the Jerry Kill experiment/health fails, they'll ride out the majority of the contract.

umm, formo, brew did NOT get into his 5th year. he got canned in his 4th year.

 

[Winnipegopher]

umm, formo, brew did NOT get into his 5th year. he got canned in his 4th year.

Just to note, Brew had a better second year than Kill. More wins and more Big Ten wins. Somehow it makes people feel better to just assume the Brew regime was always awful.

FWIW, Wacker won more Big Ten games in year 2 as well.

 

[Unregistered User]

Do Kill's in-game seizures hurt the Gopher program?

Does visiting GopherHole several times daily hurt my work? Probably, but not to the point that I am incapable of doing my job effectively.

 

[Sportsfan24]

lol No, just your post was ignorant. Brew, BASEMENT BREW still got into his 5th year before being canned. You don't think they'll at least afford Jerry 4?! C'mon man!!



You think the U can afford to buy out yet ANOTHER coach? Maybe they will, but judging how the new prexy loves and greatly approved the Kill hire, I'm certain that even if the Jerry Kill experiment/health fails, they'll ride out the majority of the contract.[/QUOTE]

Hmmm maybe. I would have never thought they would have paid $800,000 to get out of the contract with NC. All it takes is one ore two boosters with deep pockets and a coach they like. I said coach they like because smart folks don't replace coaches (publicly it would be a resignation) unless they have someone else in mind (are you listening Maturi?).

I can't say it enough; I hope everything works out with coach Kill. The man has worked his behind off to fullfill his dream of coaching at this level, it would be extremely unfair for him to lose it because of something he can't control.

However; no one man or player is bigger that the program and if those in charge ever perceive (perceive because the don't have to be right) his health is hurting the program......or Mrs Coach Kill decides this is to much on her husband....

Also; I believe next season this team will have a worst record than this year....who knows how this will play out.

Purely speculation and again I hope I'm wrong and pray it's a matter of getting his meds and treament correct.

 

[patrick08]

Don't you think that this staff has a convincing angle to give to recruits that are worried? It won't be a big deal if they sell it right and I think they can and will. The facts are that seizures are scarier than they are. I'm sure Kill and staff have many facts and examples that they can present to recruits and judging by the last few days, they are doing well.

 

[Sportsfan24]

Don't you think that this staff has a convincing angle to give to recruits that are worried? It won't be a big deal if they sell it right and I think they can and will. The facts are that seizures are scarier than they are. I'm sure Kill and staff have many facts and examples that they can present to recruits and judging by the last few days, they are doing well.

Can the staff positively spin this? Sure. Will a recruit who wants to play for coach be deterred? Nope.

My concern is with recruits who have options, with they choose to go the path of less resistance?

 

[Coolew01]

I remember Kill saying roughly 1 in 7 Minnesotans are epileptic, likely meaning 1 in 7 in country have it. Since most recruits likely know someone with the condition, they should easily be able to ask others about the condition and probably lessen/eliminate their worries.

 

[Bob_Loblaw]

Can the staff positively spin this? Sure. Will a recruit who wants to play for coach be deterred? Nope.

My concern is with recruits who have options, with they choose to go the path of less resistance?

I understand your concerns about recruiting, I think it's valid (i'm not a pure "coach 'em up" guy).

However, I think winning and playing time are the biggest decisions in landing recruits. I like the direction of the program with Kill and I think we will win more (next year is probably another 6-6, 7-5 type year), therefore I think having Kill around HELPS with recruiting. I get your point, we will probably lose a couple kids over the years because of the uncertainty surrounding Jerry's health. However, I think we will gain more kids because I believe he will turn this program around.

Also, the recruiting angle is tough because I really have been impressed with Kill's ability to find players who weren't really highly recruited. I would take a defensive backfield of Derrick Wells, Cedric Thompson, I hope we have more DLineman coming up like Alex Keith, Scott Ekpe, Mike Amafula, etc., and I like the direction of the program if we keep adding players like Plsek and Rod Williams on offense. I simply trust his ability to evaluate talent more than I trust most coaches.

 

[Tx_Gopher]

I remember Kill saying roughly 1 in 7 Minnesotans are epileptic, likely meaning 1 in 7 in country have it. Since most recruits likely know someone with the condition, they should easily be able to ask others about the condition and probably lessen/eliminate their worries.

You heard wrong or he misspoke.

The prevalence of epilepsy and seizures is about 1 in 100.

 

[Formo]

You heard wrong or he misspoke.

The prevalence of epilepsy and seizures is about 1 in 100.

Straight from the Epilepsy Foundation website:

"Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. It's also called a seizure disorder. When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy.

A seizure happens when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or all of the brain.
One in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime, and 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy."

 

[highwayman]

Straight from the Epilepsy Foundation website:

"Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. It's also called a seizure disorder. When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy.

A seizure happens when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or all of the brain.
One in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime, and 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy."

That's 4 in 104. It's possible 4 or 5 players on THIS TEAM have or will have epilepsy, and as many as 12 will have a seizure in their lifetime. There ya go. Let's get past our unsubstantiated bigotry and move on here. Berkley Edwards and Hendrick Ekpe have.

 

[Tx_Gopher]

Straight from the Epilepsy Foundation website:

"Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. It's also called a seizure disorder. When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy.

A seizure happens when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or all of the brain.
One in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime, and 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy."

My bad. I conflated epilepsy and having a seizure.

CDC website states there are 2 million people affected by epilepsy in the U.S. and then goes on to give the 1 in 26 lifetime risk of epilepsy and 1 in 10 lifetime chance of having a seizure (same as Epilepsy Foundation).

 

[Killjoy]

The answer is no but it makes this string laughable. Never have so many shown such ignorance on this subject.

 

[RailBaronYarr]

The answer is no but it makes this string laughable. Never have so many shown such ignorance on this subject.

I don't think any (or many) on this board believe that Kill's condition has a negative effect on his ability to coach or lead the team. I think many, including myself, looked at the reality of the way the media treats his condition - as if his health is something that's 100% public domain to discuss. Many in the media with "hidden" agendas use it to trash the program. So does it ACTUALLY have an effect on his ability? No, not in my opinion and there are any number of health conditions out there that successful coaches have worked through, including Coach Kill. But does this situation have a possible negative effect? Unfortunately yes. How much? My belief is not much - the type of players Kill & Co recruit and attract will not have an issue and the staff's longevity together makes any on-field issues a non-fator.