Claud Allaire, Kinesiology Ph.D. student in sport management, had the opportunity to be involved in the hiring of new Gophers Head Football Coach Jerry Kill last month. Mr. Allaire, a member of the executive committee of the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and former Simley co-head coach, was one of six current and former high school coaches who met with the U of M’s athletic leadership in November to discuss the transition and search process for a new U of M head coach. Athletic Director Joel Maturi invited the group to participate in the process and help identify the qualities desirable in a new Gophers head coach.
“It was clear that we were invited to this meeting because the university’s leadership recognizes the importance of the relationship between the Gophers staff and the high school coaches,” stated Mr. Allaire. “We had a very productive discussion and were able to highlight what the next Gopher coach should bring to the program.”
Coach Jerry Kill was named the new Gophers head coach on December 6 and the committee was invited to meet with him the next day at TCF stadium. “I’m convinced that Coach Kill brings the strong vision, depth of character, and ability to relate to people that we need for the Gophers program to compete at the Big Ten level,” commented Mr. Allaire.