Sports Illustrated: Jerry Kill would be a wonderful fit in Ann Arbor


Right now, Jerry Kill probably has one of the coolest seats in the country. If he were to take the Michigan job, his seat would start out warm. One Big Ten championship and it could be Jerry Kill Stadium when TCF's naming rights deal ends.

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Right now, Jerry Kill probably has one of the coolest seats in the country. If he were to take the Michigan job, his seat would start out warm. One Big Ten championship and it could be Jerry Kill Stadium when TCF's naming rights deal ends.

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If Jerry Kill was satisfied with a cool seat, he never would have left Southern Illinois.

And one B1G Championship does not warrant a stadium name. Even when all we have is a corporate space holder, and even when the man's name is as cool sounding as our coach's, and even as desperate as we are to get back to national prominence.

Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, and would be devastated if he bailed on us. But I really hope you were being sarcastic.
 

If Jerry Kill was satisfied with a cool seat, he never would have left Southern Illinois.

And one B1G Championship does not warrant a stadium name. Even when all we have is a corporate space holder, and even when the man's name is as cool sounding as our coach's, and even as desperate as we are to get back to national prominence.

Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, and would be devastated if he bailed on us. But I really hope you were being sarcastic.



Fine, we will just call it Jerry Kill Field at TCF Bank Stadium!
 

If Jerry Kill was satisfied with a cool seat, he never would have left Southern Illinois.

And one B1G Championship does not warrant a stadium name. Even when all we have is a corporate space holder, and even when the man's name is as cool sounding as our coach's, and even as desperate as we are to get back to national prominence.

Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, and would be devastated if he bailed on us. But I really hope you were being sarcastic.

I'm not sarcastic at all. I didn't say that a cool seat would the only factor he would consider, but it is a factor. If he does win a Big Ten title, he'll be a legend here. If the stadium didn't get his name, something would.

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One factor not mentioned is that to control his epilepsy, Jerry needs to avoid stress as much as possible, another turnaround project at a helmet school is contraindicated. If Kill was fully healthy, I could see him going elsewhere but the reality is that, this is most likely his last job.
 

I'm as big of a Jerry Kill guy as there is, but while Jerry Kill has done a lot for our football program already, Minnesota and the UMN have done a lot for Jerry Kill as well - lest he forget.
 

Jerry Kill is an extremely loyal character. With the way the state of minnesota rallied around him after last year with his health issues, I think he closes out his career here.
i wouldn't mind naming it Jerry Kill field at TCF bank Stadium after a national championship...
 

Good fit or no (I tend to agree with the sentiment here that Kill would not be the best fit for Michigan's arrogant football culture), I think we'd better get used to reading these types of articles and columns. As long as Kill continues to keep the Gopher football program on an upward trajectory, he's going to be desirable for coaching openings.

Which leads me to a real question of interest, at what point does our improvement start to asymptotically level off? We've made pretty good linear progress since Kill's first season, when does what he's built approach a consistent plateau? 7-8 win seasons? 9-10 win seasons? Higher? Will we regress? Projecting this is probably what any school looking to lure him away will attempt to do, while factoring in what they perceive their program needs to be.

Does Hoke fit your opinion of Michigan's arrogant culture? While I agree the culture exists, not sure it's a stumbling block to hiring JK.

And, have you been to Michigan and seen their facilities? And, the SI writer says they can't beat some SEC places. I've not been to the Minnesota campus, but consensus is, other than a very nice stadium, they rank near the bottom of the B1G. So, I tend to get my ire tweaked with your post which doesn't recognize the magnitude of what's going on with the Gophers. No offense.
 



I'm as big of a Jerry Kill guy as there is, but while Jerry Kill has done a lot for our football program already, Minnesota and the UMN have done a lot for Jerry Kill as well - lest he forget.

Can you give me the list of what UMN has done for JK? Just asking, not intended to say it's not so.
 

Jerry Kill is a nice fit for Minnesota. He's a "Minnesota Nice" kind of guy, and people in MN wouldn't complain too much as long as he has competitive team. Michigan, on the other hand, would be a whole different story.
 

Does Hoke fit your opinion of Michigan's arrogant culture? While I agree the culture exists, not sure it's a stumbling block to hiring JK.

And, have you been to Michigan and seen their facilities? And, the SI writer says they can't beat some SEC places. I've not been to the Minnesota campus, but consensus is, other than a very nice stadium, they rank near the bottom of the B1G. So, I tend to get my ire tweaked with your post which doesn't recognize the magnitude of what's going on with the Gophers. No offense.

Hoke relative to Kill doesn't have that 'aw, shucks' sort of downhome humility, though I'd agree that Hoke doesn't really fit the arrogant Michigan archetype. I don't think Country Jer's demeanor would play well in Ann Arbor, but that's just my opinion.

I made no comment about Michigan's facilities (that was solely the SI article), so I'm not sure what your beef with me there is. I have seen both Minnesota's and Michigan's facilities (been to Michigan multiple times), but I can't claim to have seen Michigan's up close. I do think that the impact of 'facility quality' is quite subjective and a bit overblown though. I'm not at all downplaying what's going on with our Gophers either, not sure where you are getting that vibe.
 

Does Hoke fit your opinion of Michigan's arrogant culture? While I agree the culture exists, not sure it's a stumbling block to hiring JK.

And, have you been to Michigan and seen their facilities? And, the SI writer says they can't beat some SEC places. I've not been to the Minnesota campus, but consensus is, other than a very nice stadium, they rank near the bottom of the B1G. So, I tend to get my ire tweaked with your post which doesn't recognize the magnitude of what's going on with the Gophers. No offense.

"Can you give me the list of what UMN has done for JK? Just asking, not intended to say it's not so."

Already campaigning to move Jerry Kill along huh?
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Can you give me the list of what UMN has done for JK? Just asking, not intended to say it's not so.

Besides standing behind him while he dealt with his health problems, how about this, all after one winning season. It sure looks like something.

http://blogs.twincities.com/gophers...tball-jerry-kills-contract-extension-details/

Term: 5-years: 2014-2019
• Compensation:
The contract provides $2.1 million for the 2014-15 season, increasing by $100,000 annually. This includes $4 million in supplemental retirement contributions over the life of the contract. Over the term of the contract, Coach Kill’s compensation will average $2.3 million per season, or the mid-range of his Big Ten peer group.


• Incentive pay:
The contract includes incentives ranging from $25,000 — $150,000 for achieving any of a number of defined athletic and academic performance goals.


• Post-Coaching Employment:
During the term of the agreement, the University of Minnesota and Kill can mutually agree to upon a transition from head football coach to a agreed upon position with the university to be paid $200,000 annually. The title and duties will be assigned by the University President.


Compensation 2014-2019
Year Salary Supp Comp Supplemental Retirement Total
2014-15 $600,000 $900,000 $600,000 $2,100,000

2015-16 $600,000 $900,000 $700,000 $2,200,000
2016-17 $600,000 $900,000 $800,000 $2,300,000
2017-18 $600,000 $900,000 $900,000 $2,400,000
2018-2019 $600,000 $900,000 $1,000,000 $2,500,000
Five-year total: $11,500,000
Five-year Annual Average $2,300,000
 

If Jerry Kill was satisfied with a cool seat, he never would have left Southern Illinois.

And one B1G Championship does not warrant a stadium name. Even when all we have is a corporate space holder, and even when the man's name is as cool sounding as our coach's, and even as desperate as we are to get back to national prominence.

Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, and would be devastated if he bailed on us. But I really hope you were being sarcastic.

That's Southern Illinois though. Now he's at Minnesota, a big ten team, and making over 2 million a year. Not exactly an apples to apples comparison.
 

I would be worried about Oklahoma or Nebraska. Not Michigan though.
 

I would be worried about Oklahoma or Nebraska. Not Michigan though.

I'm not worried about any of those schools. Jerry Kill isn't making a decision about where he works, his wife is. No way she lets him take all the pressure on by moving to a meat grinder.

Minnesota is perfect for JK and JK is perfect for MN.

Why can't you people understand that?
 

Pete Thamel is a good basketball writer, but his football articles are generally pretty terrible. There are so many things wrong with this that I don't know where to begin. For the scope of this message board, all I'll say is that Jerry Kill is a terrible fit for Michigan, and Michigan is a terrible fit for Jerry Kill.

You are forgetting the most important factor - Momma Kill.

She loves the Twin Cities.
 

Lets see, when is a good time to quit your job.

After taking a dumpster fire and elevating it back to respectability, getting a big raise and extension and ensuring your staff is a top paid group, shortly before breaking ground on new practice facility that will bring you to competitiveness, just before new TV contract kicks in that will increase your likely pay for doing the job you've been doing by $1 mil or more per year in the next couple of years.

This is Kills 3rd turn around project in 10 years. He isn't going to look for a 4th. He isn't going anywhere, will retire as one of the most beloved coaches in the history of MN football and we will, at some point, be naming something important after him.

So it shall be written, so it shall be done!

A bronze statue of him and Goldie in front of TCF Stadium will be erected.
 



I think it's fair to say that Rebecca wouldn't want to leave, but if Jerry continues to be successful here and has 2-3 more years of really strong health I wouldn't be surprised to see big programs come knocking and for Jerry to jump on an opportunity.

That being said, if I were a gambling man (which I am) and had to pick whether this is Kill's last job I would say yes.
 

This talk all seems a bit premature with the toughest part of the Gophers schedule still in front of them. Still, I don't think Kill is in any hurry to leave, not the way the fans and the U have rallied behind him, at least not unless he gets some insane money thrown at him. Michigan would be a horrible fit too.
 


Already campaigning to move Jerry Kill along huh?

I didn't suggest it, just making comments on the topic, I thought. I guess you think the compensation is a big deal. It's just my opinion that with the recent (40 years) history of this program, sub-par facilities, turning his personal health battles into a rallying cry, contributions to the community, giving this fan base so much to be proud of, and top it off with winning at a rate that hasn't been done here in so long, that by the numbers you presented, he's undercompensated. But you must be failing to see that JK isn't about the money. He wants to win. And, there are places he could have the chance where it doesn't seem like he has one hand tied behind his back.
 

I'm not sure what your beef with me...

I hesitated to write, but have had a rough few weeks, so forgive me for being a little too sensitive. You’re a smart guy and I look forward to reading your posts. I guess I don’t see the progress as “linear” and took the rest of your questions to suggest there’s a ceiling and the sky is not the limit. That differs from my observations of JK’s career and believe in the right situation he’s a champ. The system works.
 

I didn't suggest it, just making comments on the topic, I thought. I guess you think the compensation is a big deal. It's just my opinion that with the recent (40 years) history of this program, sub-par facilities, turning his personal health battles into a rallying cry, contributions to the community, giving this fan base so much to be proud of, and top it off with winning at a rate that hasn't been done here in so long, that by the numbers you presented, he's undercompensated. But you must be failing to see that JK isn't about the money. He wants to win. And, there are places he could have the chance where it doesn't seem like he has one hand tied behind his back.

The compensation is one thing, but he'll get that anywhere. I was referring more to the fact the UMN has been beyond supportive of him and his condition, made special accommodations for him, encouraged him to use his position as a platform for epilepsy awareness, etc. Lots of people were calling for him to step down/be fired - both locally, and nationally - and the UMN did the opposite. That should be worth something to him and his family.

I think Kill realizes this, and thus I don't see him leaving here for another college job - ever.
 

I don't want to get into the ESPN bias, but you brought it up. Obviously, TAM is a top 10 team and only by beating such a team can a team go from unranked to top ten. Later, the world finds out that A&M isn't all that after giving up a nifty 50+ to a Bama team that is not Bama of a few years ago. The SEC is overrated because, yes for the past few years they have had the best team or teams on the top end, but the teams in conference are not universally better. How could Mizo, a mid pack 12 team walk in to the SEC and win? Oh yah, mystically they became better because they joined the SEC. The hogs are an average team in an above average conference with a below average coach. Doesn't mean they suck, but it doesn't mean they are really any good
 

I didn't suggest it, just making comments on the topic, I thought. I guess you think the compensation is a big deal. It's just my opinion that with the recent (40 years) history of this program, sub-par facilities, turning his personal health battles into a rallying cry, contributions to the community, giving this fan base so much to be proud of, and top it off with winning at a rate that hasn't been done here in so long, that by the numbers you presented, he's undercompensated. But you must be failing to see that JK isn't about the money. He wants to win. And, there are places he could have the chance where it doesn't seem like he has one hand tied behind his back.

"Under compensated"? Game or two over .500 isn't exactly Woody Hayes and Nick Saban territory now is it? 20 or 30 million enough for you?

Yeah, it appears you are campaigning to get him out of here but that's okay. You've never even set foot on campus, have done nothing but downgrade the kids and rip everything about the program up until Kill got here. Strike that, you've ripped it then too. Every loss is because of those damn players and now you throw-in that someone is holding Kill's hand "behind his back"? It's okay, you've made it clear that your a Kill supporter period. To hell with Minnesota.

Just didn't think you'd be so forthright with your desire to get Kill and Company out of here. Guess it's good you finally laid your cards on the table.

I like Kill, and hope he'll succeed with taking the Gophers back to prominence.

You _____ Kill and hope he gets out of here as soon as he can.

As trolls go, at least you're unique.
 

per SI:

Mullen will be atop Michigan’s list, but don’t rule out him staying in Starkville. The college football world is flatter than it used to be thanks to television money, as a program like Mississippi State wouldn’t have been able to vault to No. 1 a decade ago. There’s more stability, better leadership and snazzier facilities in Starkville than in Ann Arbor. (Quick, someone get the Michigan Men smelling salts). Mullen is happy with what he’s built there, and the SEC television money will allow Mississippi State to increase his $3 million-a-year salary. History says Mullen should leave, as there’s a century worth of data that would nudge him to a higher-profile job. But there is also a chance he stays, which could encourage star quarterback Dak Prescott to return for his senior year.

The other logical Michigan candidate is former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano, who turned down the job in 2007 and was fired in Tampa Bay last year. Pete Carroll, Nick Saban and Jim Mora Jr. are all proof that NFL failures aren’t accurate indicators of collegiate success. Schiano’s sterling academic record and power football roots could be attractive.

Jerry Kill would be a wonderful fit in Ann Arbor, as all he’s done is win at Southern Illinois, Northern Illinois and now Minnesota. Kill’s epilepsy, which caused him to miss a handful of weeks during the 2013 season, could hurt his candidacy.

After that, there are not a lot of obvious names. One wildcard scenario is that Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long takes the AD job if it opens and brings Bret Bielema with him. Other AD candidates could include UConn’s Warde Manuel and Boston College’s Brad Bates.

http://www.si.com/college-football/...shchamp-michigan-brady-hoke-coaching-carousel

Go Gophers!!

First, I am not the smartest man around, but this seems kind of hypocritical. If the college football world is so flat and with television money can't Jerry build a winner in Minnesota? The way I read the article is that Mullen might not leave because of the parity in NCAA football he can build a winner at Mississippi State, but then they make it seem like Jerry Kill should jump ship...
 




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