Jerry Kill says his future is with the Gophers

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I thought this was worth pointing out. If you buy into Jerry Kill as the real deal (I do), then this is good news.

He's seen progress over the past four weeks, and believes the program is moving, albeit slowly, toward a brighter future. And he reiterated that his future is with the Gophers, too -- because he's not up to yet another ground-up reconstruction. "I don't want to do it again," Kill said. "This is it. I've said that since I've been here -- it's too damn hard. It's hard to change a culture."
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http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/134409358.html
 

It is a great comment and if I believed a single word that came out of the mouth of a D1 football coach it would probably make me more optimistic for the future. Every coach says they would never consider leaving the place they are currently at until the day that they do. If they say they are looking for the next job the fans and media would tear them apart.

I hope Kill is here for the long haul but we aren't going to know that until he gets things turned around and the big time offers start coming in. If that starts to happen and he turns them down well then we will know that he really meant what he said in the article.
 

I prefer to give him the benefit of the doubt until I have reason to think otherwise.
 

I don't understand what the OP is trying to say. Does anyone think that Jerry Kill is a threat to leave after a 2 maybe 3 win season? Where the hell is he going that we're glad he's staying? Yes, I'm glad that at 2-9 he is not thinking of jumping yet.

Whew!
 

I choose to believe him. Others are always skeptical but I will chose the optimistic approach and say he ends his career here with a winning program.
 


I assume he was asked the question but this seems way early. If it ever came about, the positive would be it's because he did accomplish something here. So then the question is, "Would you ever go to a program where it wasn't a rebuilding job?" Ah, never mind.
 

I never say never (and I doubt Kill does either), but unlike a lot of coaches we were considering after the dismissal of Brewster, I believe Kill sees this as a "destination" job.
 

Stan said:
I don't understand what the OP is trying to say. Does anyone think that Jerry Kill is a threat to leave after a 2 maybe 3 win season? Where the hell is he going that we're glad he's staying? Yes, I'm glad that at 2-9 he is not thinking of jumping yet.

Whew!
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Are you actually that dumb, or just play acting to entertain us?

It's been pointed out a million times that coach Kill has been a winner everywhere he's gone. He's going to win here, too. How do I know? I have the faith of someone who wrote in the original post that I believe he's the real deal.

So I'm glad to know that Coach says he's here for the long haul, because in the long run, he's going to be a wanted man.
 

everybody knows my name said:
Are you actually that dumb, or just play acting to entertain us?

It's been pointed out a million times that coach Kill has been a winner everywhere he's gone. He's going to win here, too. How do I know? I have the faith of someone who wrote in the original post that I believe he's the real deal.

So I'm glad to know that Coach says he's here for the long haul, because in the long run, he's going to be a wanted man.
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I'm not dumb. I'm just wondering if anyone was really worried that he was thinking of leaving already? I also believe he will win here. But are you actually that dumb (using your nice question on this holiday week) to think that he will feel the exact same way about never leaving after we go 10-2 in 3-4 years?
 



What's dumb about your response is that you intentionally misconstrued the point of the original post. I didn't imagine that he was already packing for the next move, and neither does anyone else. But he's a winning coach with a good resume, and I'm glad to know that he wants to stay. But if it makes you feel better I'll hop on my time machine (that's right, I ride on top of it) and zip four years into the future and ask him whether he still wants to stay. ;)
 

We had different interpretations of the original post. That is all. That doesn't mean I'm dumb or you're dumb.

Happy Thanksgiving.
 

Coach Kill isn't stupid he's 50 now, and will probably be in his mid 50's, before he's a hot commodity again. When, he get's us back to being a consistant winning program, he'll be in a similar position to Barry Alverez and Kirk Ferentz. A move up would be to a program like Michigan or Ohio State. I don't think he would want that pressure, when he has the oppurtunity to wake up former giant, and leave a lasting legacy
 

Let's say that Kill builds us up over the next 4 or 5 years and we are competing for a legends title and spot in the championship game...he is 54-56, has a history of past and recent health issues and is in position to renegotiate his 7 year deal and get a big pay raise for himself and his staff...nobody in their right mind would leave...Kill has no history with a top ten program like MI or OSU, he doesn't have the legs left to rebuild a program like TN, so he gets a big raise, another 5 year deal and he coaches his players his way...if after those 5 years, he still has legs, he gets another 5 years. If he wins, he has no reason to leave and all the reasons in the world to stay.
 



I believe (and I want to believe) coach Kill is a stand up guy that answered the question honestly for this time and place (never say never). If he didn't really believe it he would have given the old doube speak something-or-other.
 

MNVCGUY said:
It is a great comment and if I believed a single word that came out of the mouth of a D1 football coach it would probably make me more optimistic for the future. Every coach says they would never consider leaving the place they are currently at until the day that they do. If they say they are looking for the next job the fans and media would tear them apart.

I hope Kill is here for the long haul but we aren't going to know that until he gets things turned around and the big time offers start coming in. If that starts to happen and he turns them down well then we will know that he really meant what he said in the article.
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A while back I heard Lou Holtz, from his own mouth, say when he was with the Gophers his intention was to stay at Minnesota.
Kill is far above and beyond Brewster when he got here because of his resume alone, but he hasn't even brought this program to
Even being a relevant factor in the conference yet. I have seen a lot of coaches come and go that talked the talk but couldn't walk the walk, but I have a good feeling about Kill and what he can potentially do here based on his track record and his overall realistic attitude towards the state of the program.
 

GopherinPhilly said:
Let's say that Kill builds us up over the next 4 or 5 years and we are competing for a legends title and spot in the championship game...he is 54-56, has a history of past and recent health issues and is in position to renegotiate his 7 year deal and get a big pay raise for himself and his staff...nobody in their right mind would leave...Kill has no history with a top ten program like MI or OSU, he doesn't have the legs left to rebuild a program like TN, so he gets a big raise, another 5 year deal and he coaches his players his way...if after those 5 years, he still has legs, he gets another 5 years. If he wins, he has no reason to leave and all the reasons in the world to stay.
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I agree with everything you said. And yet at the same time I have seen coaches make decisions that make no sense to anyone on the outside. I would bet that if you looked hard enough you can find an interview from when Kill took over at NIU where he said he had no intention of ever leaving.

You could go around to every single head coach at a BCS school and ask him if he ever intends to leave his current school and I guarantee that every single one of them would say he is right where he wants to be and never plans to leave. Right now Jerry Kill truly has no intention of leaving the University of Minnesota, he also has no where better to go and no "better" job being offered to him. When he turns down a legit offer from a top BCS program then and only then will I believe that he plans to stay at MN for the rest of his career.

On a side note if we get to the point where he is getting a top BCS offer then it means things are going very well here so I hope that day comes sooner rather then later. The flip side is this whole discussion could be meaningless in a few years if we are still losing because even if he intends to stay the administration may have other plans.
 

Well you could ask northern illinois fans about this topic. There were plenty of bitter ones after Kill left and plenty of it had to do with the way he left. What he said, and the fact that he and many of his assistants left before the bowl game. I don't think Kill is that hot of a commodity right now so I don't see him going anywhere for a bit at least, but I don't think he is staying here for the long haul just because he's quoted as saying he's not going anywhere.
 

IF and WHEN Coach Kill beats iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, MSU, Northwestern and a few more Big Ten teamsincluding wisky in the same season, I'll start worrying about keeping him here. Until then, I am perfectly content to take him at his word.

BUT...since so many of you seem to worry about the coach bagging the way lou hoax did...let's start putting the pressure on the U of M administration to PUT Coach Kill on a straight TENURE deal that guarentees him employment here for as long as he wants employment unless something would come up that would negate his tenure deal for "due cause..." That way, just in case not quite so many Big Ten wins come as easily as some may feel they will, the Coach and his staff will be protected in case the fan base and/or local media decide they would like to see a change of coaches on the sidelines at TCF BANK STADIUM on Game Day Saturdays...I guess I worry a bit more about that than the other way around. I have seen the sports media AND the "loyal" fan base here at Minnesota for far too long than to think it would be the other way around. We ARE known as a "graveyard for college football coaches..." after all.

It takes a really nice string of Big Ten wins to get a coach noticed here at Minnesota. Of course, it takes less Big Ten wins here than it would at Michigan, OSU or Nebraska just because everyone in their right mind realizes that it takes a LOT of coaching ability AND MUCH MORE luck to win big at Minnesota than it does at some of those other places...


At any rate, I'm not worrying about Coach Kill bagging on us any time very soon. I'm a LOT more worried about the administration...the local sports media...AND, especially the "loyal" fan base bagging on Coach Kill long before Coach Kill would go bagging on them for "greener" pastures...Heck, the coach at Michigan NEVER has to play Michigan at the Big House...and the darn coach at OSU NEVER has to face the Buckeyes in THE Horse Shoe. So, at best, the Coach at Michigan will ONLY have to beat Nebraska, iowa, MSU, NU, & Minnesota to win the Legends Division. Minnesota has to beat Michigan, Nebraska, NU, MSU and iowa to get the same result. Who would you rather play MOST seasons: Michigan or Minnesota?

; 0 )
 

You get the feeling that he means it - his last stop. Hope so - and that his health holds up so that he can do the job he wants to do.
 

Great Plains Gopher said:
You get the feeling that he means it - his last stop. Hope so - and that his health holds up so that he can do the job he wants to do.
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No doubt about it: he means it.

That's why I say: "...give him tenure..." If things didn't work out...if he felt he couldn't get the job done, he would say so, resign and leave with his head held high. This man has some pride. This man has some honor. This man is a good man.

His health situation will take care of itself. He has today. That is all that ANY of us have. He will live his life today and work for this Football Program today. NONE of us could possibly guarantee any longer than today. Coach Kill gives us his guarantee that today he is giving this football program his very best. I believe him.

I also believe that should anything change, Coach Kill would treat that with the same kind of straight forward approach that he has made a habit of treating challenges with.

It's time for we fans to take Coach Kill at his word. Today he is giving this program the very best that he possibly can. Today is the ONLY day that anyone coaching any University of Minnesota Program...anyone coachin ANY University program can guarantee his/her effort on.

I know that people want "forever" guarantees. But NO ONE can make a "forever" guarantee. None of us can do any better than "TODAY..." It is the only day any of us really have.

Do the best you can do EVERY DAY...as it happens. That is what Coach Kill did just today, I really do believe. Best wishes to Coach Kill, his staff and all his players at the U of M. And, tomorrow will take care of itself until it arrives!

; 0 )
 

btowngopher said:
Well you could ask northern illinois fans about this topic. There were plenty of bitter ones after Kill left and plenty of it had to do with the way he left. What he said, and the fact that he and many of his assistants left before the bowl game. I don't think Kill is that hot of a commodity right now so I don't see him going anywhere for a bit at least, but I don't think he is staying here for the long haul just because he's quoted as saying he's not going anywhere.
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While I understand their pain...hard to act like the MN job in the B1G isn't worth leaving NIU. Kill left SIU for NIU and NIU for us...and if he gets offered $5 mil at TN next year, he should jump at it. But he wont get that kind of offer anytime soon...and his window for that type of position is passing him by...which I think he knows...which is what he is saying.
 

My issues with this whole conversation stem from the following:

1. What was the context for even asking a question that would lead to Kill's response? The guy is in year 1 at a new job. His only focus right now is trying to win at Minnesota. He would have to be nuts to be spending anytime thinking about another job until he is able to show that he can succeed here.

2. Depending on how the question was asked what the hell is Kill supposed to say? There is only one answer to the question "Yes I plan to stay in Minnesota as long as it takes, and no I have no plans of ever coaching anywhere else."

When Urban Meyer does sign on to officially be the head coach of Ohio State in the next few days we will all have all the proof you will ever need that the word of coaches doesn't mean jack. He has been swearing up and down that he is not going to be the coach at OSU and yet every other source and report makes it sound like a done deal. My bet is the other sources turn out to be right because we have all seen this pointless song and dance play out time and time again where the coach says he has no interest in the job until the day comes where he tells his team he is off to coach someone else.

I don't mean to come across as cynical but how anyone can take a quote from a coach in regards to their future plans as fact in this day and age is beyond me. I've said it before, I hope Kill is here for the long haul and he is successful enough to warrant him keeping his job as long as he wants it but none of us know what opportunities are going to present themselves down the line and if there is one thing that Kill has proven is that he is good at parlaying his success into a better job for himself and his assistants.
 

gopher1more said:
I choose to believe him. Others are always skeptical but I will chose the optimistic approach and say he ends his career here with a winning program.
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Wait.....Didn't a guy named Lou Holtz once say that then leave with all his coaches and a recruits.
 

Think how refreshing it would be if we had a winning coach that eventually stepped down because he was retiring. Not one that was fired or left for another coaching job.
 

station19 said:
Think how refreshing it would be if we had a winning coach that eventually stepped down because he was retiring. Not one that was fired or left for another coaching job.
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+1000
 


If Kill wins here, which by his standard would at least include a B1G championship or title game appearance, what would be the reason for him to leave? That means he would prove conference titles can be won here, which means a national title isn't out of complete reach. We have plenty of resources (money) in the metro area and beyond to support a successful football program, we can blow out the Bank to house more fans if the bandwagon gets strong. Big alumni base as well, so that's a non issue. Media outlets might actually begin to support the team instead of just ridicule it.

We just need someone to come in and be able to make things happen initially without having all the pieces in place. If Kill can do that, great, and I think if he does, I believe he will be in it for the long term, not just a fix and then run off to another fix up job.
 

If he wins here he would not be getting offers to coach fixup jobs. He would be getting top offers from the big time schools with huge budgets and die hard fan bases. The good news is that if that day comes it means we are winning here so at that point even if he leaves at least the program would be in good shape.

Just stop trying to say that there is no way or no reason a coach would leave. Guys leave all the time for any number of reasons and the bottom line is the only person who knows what Kill will do if put in that situation is Kill. So let's stop worrying about what he may or may not do in some fictional situation until he proves he can actually win here and the prospect of a high end program coming after him actually becomes a reality. Right now he is just another guy with a decent to very good rep at the mid-major level who has proven nothing at the BCS level.

Of course he is not going to leave Minnesota for another rebuilding job, he has way to much work still to do here.
 

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