The official release:
University of Minnesota football coach Jerry Kill announced today that Mike Sherels has been promoted to linebacker coach. Sherels served as a defensive graduate assistant in 2013 and most recently was an assistant coordinator of recruiting operations with the Gophers. Sherels joined the staff in early 2011 and worked as a special assistant to the head coach. He has also worked closely with Minnesota's alumni.
"I am very happy for Mike,” said Kill. “He has been with us for the last three years and knows and understands what we are trying to do here. He is a former two-time Gopher captain and truly loves Minnesota. This really is a dream come true for him.
“Mike is a terrific on-field coach and is a relatable presence to today's players. I cannot wait to see him recruit, as nobody can tell our story better than him. I expect his transition to be a smooth one and am excited to see him embrace his new role."
The Rochester, Minn., native graduated from Minnesota 2007 with a degree in business and marketing education and will receive his master’s degree in May. He played for the Gophers from 2003-07 and served as a captain during his junior and senior year. He is the only Minnesota walk-on ever to be named a two-time captain. Sherels started 30 games and recorded 219 tackles during his four-year career. His 104 tackles in 2006 led the Gophers.
“I am extremely thankful to Coach Kill and the rest of the staff for having the belief in me to handle this job,” said Sherels. “It is a dream come true to coach at my alma mater and to represent my home state.”
Sherels’ career at Minnesota was also decorated with off-field accolades. As a senior, he was honored with the Neil Fredenburg Award for Courage and Love of the Game. As a junior, he was presented with the Carl Eller Award as the team's most outstanding defensive player and the Paul Giel Award for Unselfishness and Most Concern About the University of Minnesota.
Sherels and his wife Emily have one daughter, Valerie, who was born in Texas, while the Gophers were in Houston for the 2012 Meineke Car Care Bowl.
http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/030714aac.html
Go Gophers!!