Research in this area would say SUDEP is thought to be more likely to happen to Kill than many others. However, in the example of someone dying from an underlying heart condition that wasn't known until death is not classified as SUDEP.
At any rate, imagine if the U continues to say, "it's no big deal" and heaven forbid Kill dies (even while at home). Autopsy says there are no illnesses/reasons for death. It appears to be SUDEP. Doctors start coming out saying, "well, yeah, working in that job wasn't ideal. Too stressful." That's not a good look. Not saying that's the number one concern, because it's not, but it's a legitimate topic for discussion (for his employer to have internally).
But here's the thing... ask HIS doctor, Dr. Leppik, an expert in the area about this. "Dr. Leppik, is stress likely a trigger for Jerry Kill's seizures and does having such a high-stress job adversely affect his health?"
Those are simple questions. If Kill, the U and Leppik want to sign some paperwork and allow this questions to be answered I think it would enlighten some folks.
Best case scenario, Kill remains healthy and Gophers do very well on the field. Neither is likely. I'd imagine there are a lot of unprincipled people who would have a different view today had Minnesota lost yesterday. That's not right. We're talking about a man's health and his job, which is not good for his health. Serious stuff.
Maybe he could remain as a "special advisor to the team" and carry a light schedule (hang out a couple of times per week, visit on game day, consult). That way he's still a part of the "long time coaching staff" that many so highly value, but it's a real attempt at reducing stress (as opposed to, "we need to take a couple things off his plate" as Norwood proposed).
