On the toughest day of his life as a football coach, Jerry Kill seemed to know the Gophers program would be in good hands.
That's because longtime defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys had taken the reins two years earlier, when Kill took a leave of absence for his epilepsy two years ago.
Claeys led the team for the last seven games of the 2013 season, going 4-3. The four straight Big Ten wins signified a step forward for Minnesota football, including wins over Penn State and Nebraska.
This time is different, though.
Kill is now stepping away from his position for good after announcing his retirement Wednesday.