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Gophers' Claeys: 'I Want To Be The Next Head Coach'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Jerry Kill sent shockwaves through Minnesota Wednesday morning, announcing his retirement as Gophers football coach due to health concerns.

Defensive Coordintaor Tracy Claeys was named in the interim head coach after meeting with interim Athletic Director Beth Goetz. Claeys Wednesday after practice that Kill told him of his decision Tuesday afternoon. The two had a conversation for about 30 minutes.

"It's just kind of a kick in the gut. I didn't know anything about it. I told the kids none of us are to blame for the situation. It's a tough day for them," Claeys said.

Claeys already has head coaching experience with the Gophers. He took over the program two seasons ago when Kill had to take a leave of absence to address recurring seizures. The Gophers won four straight Big Ten games with Claeys at the helm for the first time in 40 years and finished the season 8-5 after a loss to Syracuse in the Texas Bowl.

At some point, Minnesota will conduct a national search for its next head coach. Claeys said Wednesday he wants to be the next permanent head coach of the Gophers, and the has the confidence that he can get the job done.

"I feel like I was trained well with the last situation 2.5 years ago," Claeys said. "I want to be the next head football coach. I believe I can do it and I believe the staff can do it."

Kill's staff, Claeys included, is among the longest tenured in NCAA football in terms of continuity. That will be key in moving forward if Claeys becomes the next permanent head coach.

"The path won't change, there just won't be a lot of change. I've been with him for 21 years and I believe in what we're doing. None of us would be here if it wasn't for him," Claeys said of Kill's approach to the football program.

Claeys had been in the coaches press box this season while performing his duties as defensive coordinator. He said he'll return to the sidelines Saturday night as the Gophers host No. 15-ranked Michigan at TCF Bank Stadium.

Claeys said he knew Kill was having trouble getting sleep, but had no idea his seizures had returned and health was declining.

Many future football recruits took to social media Wednesday to remain firm in their verbal commitments to the Gophers football program. Those can become official on National Signing Day next February. Claeys said recruits have already been contacted about Kill and the communication is ongoing.

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