Minnesota coach Kill retiring because of health reasons

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minnesota coach Jerry Kill says he is retiring because of health reasons.

Kill made the surprise announcement on Wednesday morning, one day after missing a scheduled meeting with the media. Kill has epilepsy, and had to take a leave of absence from the team in 2013 while dealing with seizures.

Kill was 156-102 in coaching career and 29-29 at Minnesota.

Defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys, who has worked with Kill for the last 21 years, has been named interim head coach.

The Golden Gophers host Michigan on Saturday night.