Social Media, Fans React To Jerry Kill's Sudden Retirement
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It had already been a tough sports week in Minnesota with the death of Flip Saunders and the retirement of Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter.
Another crushing blow was delivered Wednesday morning as University of Minnesota football coach Jerry Kill announced his retirement, effective immediately, due to health reasons. Kill delivered the news personally at a news conference, and fans were quick to share their thoughts.
"It's really clear that he just loves coaching and he loves the team and that's all he wants to do, so I just felt bad that that's the decision that he had to make," fan Anna Proell said.
"The Big Ten is a really solid conference and i can only imagine how hard that is normally for a coach. And just to manage your health and something as serious as epilepsy at the same time, i can only imagine it was really difficult for him and his family so i can appreciate that that was really hard," University of Minnesota scientist Dr. Luis Martinez said.
"I'm a senior and when I started here, I remember the games not being very full, not having that much student participation and now the games are selling out," student Savannah Huml said.
"Well he's obviously brought us from a 3-9 program to contending for Big Ten championships every year," freshman Thomas Meyer said. "I mean last year we almost beat Ohio State, so that was a big one."
There has also been plenty of reaction on social media Wednesday.
Here is a sampling of the reactions from fellow Gophers coaches, his players, national media and Gophers followers.
Sad for Jerry Kill, retiring as @GopherSports HC due to health. But thrilled for example he's setting: Life, love, family most important.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 28, 2015
Jerry Kill will always be more than a football coach to me. He made me a better person. I love that man from the bottom of my heart.
— Peter Mortell (@PMortell37) October 28, 2015
Thanks Coach Kill for all that you've done for football in MN and for inviting us into your home. You'll be missed! pic.twitter.com/djy8xipAN5
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 28, 2015
Difficult to lose one of the finest in football. We wish at Coach Jerry Kill the best w/ his health & family. https://t.co/HhdMMxvjSb
— Marlene (@Stollings) October 28, 2015
I appreciate Kill giving me a second chance here at Minnesota. Being recruited & playing for him was truly a blessing. He will be missed.
— Ace Rogers (@Simply11Ace) October 28, 2015
Heartbroken for Coach Kill - a great man, a great leader for the University of Minnesota, and a great representative for our school & state.
— Don Lucia (@mncoachlucia) October 28, 2015
We wish you nothing but the best, Coach Kill. #HatsOff pic.twitter.com/6Tz83Op8tU
— Minnesota Gophers (@GopherSports) October 28, 2015
Sad to hear about Jerry Kill. He's a great guy, tremendous coach and a fighter. Hope he gets healthy soon! He's a good man.
— Richard Pitino (@MNCoachPitino) October 28, 2015
Jerry Kill told his players "Make sure you figure out what you're going to do because (football) doesn't last forever."
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) October 28, 2015
Man in devastated by the news about Coach Kill...I really thought he was a good coach n had us going in the right direction
— Dame (@VIPJohnson34) October 28, 2015
One hell of a man. Words can't describe what coach kill has meant to so many. We love you coach!
— Drew Goodger (@goodgergopher83) October 28, 2015
Coach Kill is one of the best men I've ever met. The things he has done for me and my family will impact me beyond my years at Minnesota.
— Alex Mayes (@AlexEMayes) October 28, 2015
I will forever be grateful for the opportunity Coach Kill gave me when all the other coaches in the Big Ten wouldn't. I love you coach gws‼️
— Hollywood (@RayBuf25) October 28, 2015
Love and appreciate coach Kill. Gave me an opportunity 2 get an education and play 4 a prestigious university. Couldn't help but cry today.
— Rodney Smith (@Numerouno1_) October 28, 2015
Sorry to hear @GopherFootball Head Coach Jerry Kill has resigned for health reasons. All of MN hopes you're doing better soon! #jerrysota
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) October 28, 2015
Tough to hear that #JerryKill has retired. His passion and commitment to the @GoldenGophers was unmatched. He will be missed.
— Al Franken (@alfranken) October 28, 2015
Even as a Hawkeye, I have so much respect for Coach Kill. He did things the right way, and was an excellent coach. Wishing him the best.
— Chad Greenway (@chadgreenway52) October 28, 2015
A man who gave me a chance. Much love and respect for Coach Kill! His true victories were off the field, impacting the lives of many.
— Ryan Santoso (@RyanSantoso90) October 28, 2015
