Ex-Gophers coach Jerry Kill retires from Rutgers, citing health reasons

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 10: Head coach Jerry Kill of the Minnesota Golden Gophers is seen during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers in October 2015. Minnesota defeated Purdue 41-13. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Former University of Minnesota football head coach Jerry Kill has announced his retirement and stepped down from his offensive coordinator position at Rutgers University after just one season, citing health reasons.

Kill was head coach of the Gophers football program from 2011 to 2015. During his time with the Gophers, he helped lead the team to three bowl appearances. He stepped down mid-season in 2015 due to health concerns. 

Kill returned to football this year as the Rutgers offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Tuesday, he announced his retirement, reflecting on his 34-year coaching career.

"I love this game and all the coaches that I’ve worked with," said Kill in a statement. "They have all made Jerry Kill a better man. I know that I did it the right way and I did it my way. I gave everything I had to the game, I just ran out of juice.”

Rutgers head coach Chris Ash thanked Kill for his impact on the coaching staff and the players. 

Jerry Kill full statement:

“I want to thank Chris Ash and Pat Hobbs for giving me the opportunity to coach at Rutgers. I would also like to thank the players, the Rutgers family, fans and media for everything they have done for Rebecca and I. This program is definitely headed in the right direction with coach Ash and I know that firsthand. I enjoyed the year being an assistant coach and had a ton of fun with the players and coaches.

I hope that through my 34 years of coaching that I was able to be a positive influence on young people because that is truly why I coach. I want to thank all the players for what they have done for me. I appreciate and love all of the people that are part of my family. I don’t have any regrets and I’ve had a blessed career. I love this game and all the coaches that I’ve worked with. They have all made Jerry Kill a better man. I know that I did it the right way and I did it my way. I gave everything I had to the game, I just ran out of juice.”