Minnesota’s Jerry Kill quits as coach because of epilepsy

Minnesota Coach Jerry Kill abruptly and tearfully retired Wednesday, saying his epilepsy had become too draining for him to continue on the job.

Kill informed the staff and players in morning meetings. Later, he spoke at a news conference, saying it will be hard for him to stop coaching.

“I ain’t done anything else. That’s the scary part,” Kill said, pausing several times to keep from breaking down.

Kill said he had two seizures this week and went to practice Tuesday anyway, hoping he could still make things work, and added that he had not slept more than three hours on any night over the last three weeks.

“I went through a bad situation two years ago, and I’m headed right back there,” Kill said.

His wife, Rebecca, has been staying up all night to monitor him in case of another seizure.

“Hell, that ain’t no way to live,” Kill said.

Kill was absent for at least a portion of five games in his first three seasons at Minnesota because of seizures, including one on the field against New Mexico State in the 2011 home opener and another during halftime against Michigan State in 2012. He also had game-day seizures in 2001 and 2005 while coaching at Southern Illinois.

Kill, 54, had a career record of 156-102 and was 29-29 in four-plus seasons at Minnesota.

Defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys will be the interim coach for the rest of the season. Claeys filled in for Kill in 2013, leading the Gophers to a 4-3 record with victories over Northwestern, Nebraska, Penn State and Indiana.

The Gophers (4-3) play No. 15-ranked Michigan on Saturday night.

Illinois receiver Mike Dudek is seeking a medical redshirt

Illinois sophomore receiver Mike Dudek will apply for a medical redshirt after sitting out most of the season because of a torn ligament in his right knee.

Junior receiver Justin Hardee also might still seek a redshirt. Hardee broke a bone in his foot during summer and has yet to play.

Both were expected to start for the Illini.

Dudek led Illinois with 76 catches for 1,038 yards last season.

Miami tackle Michael Wyche is arrested

Reserve defensive tackle Michael Wyche has been suspended indefinitely by Miami after being arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.

He was booked into jail on his 23rd birthday and was being held on $1,500 bond. His arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 18.

Wyche, 6 feet 4 and 345 pounds, appeared in four games this season.