Gophers football coach to Mayo after new seizure
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Minnesota coach Jerry Kill is headed back to the hospital to seek more treatment for the seizures that have plagued him for more than two weeks now. And it is unclear when he will be back on the sideline.
The university issued a statement on Sunday saying Kill was re-admitting himself for further examination after he suffered yet another seizure earlier in the morning.
Team physician Dr. Pat Smith said Kill is in good condition and his vital signs are strong, but the coach will be admitted to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for further testing.
Kill has dealt with the seizures for years, taking medication to keep them under control. He suffered one late in the game against New Mexico State on Sept. 10, but returned to coach in the Golden Gophers' games against Miami (Ohio) and North Dakota State.
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He did not suffer a seizure in either of those games, but Kill said Sunday that he and his wife Rebecca have decided to seek more help.
"The seizures continue to be a concern for me and my family," Kill said in a statement issued by the school. "Rebecca and I have made the decision to do what it takes to find a solution. I hope to be back to work soon, but we believe that taking some time away to get a handle on this is the right thing to do."
Kill also had seizures on game days twice while a coach at Southern Illinois, but he has never missed a game because of them.
The Gophers (1-3) head to Michigan for their Big Ten opener this week.
Smith said he would not speculate on how long Kill will be out. If he cannot coach, Kill's longtime defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys would step in.
"Coach Kill is determined to get this issue resolved," athletic director Joel Maturi said. "We all want what's best for him, and his health is our first and foremost concern. I have full confidence that our football staff will get the team prepared while Jerry is away. We all want him back on the sidelines. But it's time to find a resolution."
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
