Jerry Kill is headed back home.
The former Minnesota and Northern Illinois head coach is returning to the school where he first made his name in the football world and will be “assuming responsibility” for Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s athletics program. Former AD Tommy Bell‘s contract was not renewed and Kill, who was serving as special assistant to the school chancellor, will take over on a quasi-interim basis.
“It’s time for us to make a change in leadership that will help the program fulfill its potential,” SIU Chancellor Carlo Montemagno said in a statement. “I am deeply grateful for Tommy’s service and wish him well for the future.”
“SIU is a special place, and I’ve always valued the warmth and support of the Southern Illinois community,” added Kill. “I’m excited to contribute to the university’s future in any way possible.”
Prior to the move to Carbondale, Kill most recently served as Rutgers’ offensive coordinator for a season before he stepped down due to health issues. He has suffered from seizures and epilepsy over the years, which led him to resign from his post at Minnesota. It remains to be seen how long he’ll stick around as AD of the FCS program but he could be up for the full-time role depending on how things go in the big chair.