Minnesota removed the “interim” tag from coach Tracy Claeys today, signing him to a three-year deal. Claeys, formerly the Gophers’ defensive coordinator, took over as head coach two weeks ago today as former head coach Jerry Kill retired due to health problems last month.
Sources: #Gopher players were told this morning at a team meeting that interim HC Tracy Claeys will be hired as the full-time coach at MN.
— Ryan Burns (@RyanBurnsMN) November 11, 2015
Signing Claeys was the correct thing to do. This team trended in the right direction under Kill, going from three wins in 2011 to surprising 8-4 finishes the last two years. (Getting bowl-eligible this year will be tough, but not impossible- they’ll have to beat two of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin). Claeys has been on Kill’s staff for years, and that continuity should help, both on the field and in recruiting. Moreover, I’ve been blown away by how hard these guys have played for Claeys since he took over. They should have beaten Michigan, and played a far closer game than I would have expected against Ohio State. The Gophers have had their problems this year, particularly on offense, but coaching has not been one of them. (An offensive line that’s been shuffled nearly every week due to injuries has been). Minnesota has the right man at the helm for the immediate future.
U of M @PrezKaler: “Tracy Claeys is the right person for this important job. I applaud and fully support Interim AD Beth Goetz’s decision.”
— Marcus R. Fuller (@GophersNow) November 11, 2015
Main Photo Caption: Minnesota acting head coach Tracy Claeys calls out to players during the fourth quarter against Nebraska in Minneapolis Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013. (Photo by Ann Heisenfelt)
