Jerry Kill, Minnesota Agree to New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The University of Minnesota's football program has made big strides under head coach Jerry Kill, and the school rewarded him for that progress Friday.

Kill, who is the reigning Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading Minnesota to an 8-5 record in 2014, secured his future Friday by adding another year to his current deal, according to Marcus R. Fuller of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Fuller also provided specifics related to the new contract:

Kill took the reins at Minnesota in 2011 after three years at Northern Illinois. The Gophers went 3-9 in his first season, improved to 6-7 in 2012 and have gone 8-5 in each of the past two campaigns.

Minnesota athletics are currently in turmoil as former athletic director Norwood Teague resigned after sexual harassment allegations surfaced.

Kill provides stability as one of the central figures at the university, and Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press believes he will be a key figure in Minnesota's search for a new AD:

The 53-year-old coach is so influential that Patrick Reusse of the Star Tribune sees his profile increasing even more now that Teague is out of the picture.

Much of that perceived influence is speculation, but there is no question that there are high expectations for Kill and the Gophers to produce on the field in 2015.

While Ohio State is the class of the Big Ten overall, the West Division is very much up for grabs, and Minnesota figures to be one of the top contenders.

A great deal of confidence has been shown in Kill's ability to lead, but now it's time for him to take Minnesota to the next level on the heels of consecutive winning seasons.

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