Jerry Kill is the new head football coach of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Kill is not a household name, but he has started to gain a little more national attention, since joining the Big Ten Conference.

Kill has been involved with college coaching for many years, getting his start in 1985, as the defensive coordinator at Pittsburgh State. His first head coaching position was in 1994, with Saginaw Valley State.

Kill is best known for turning around the last two programs he coached, first, Southern Illinois and most recently, Northern Illinois.

Thursday, iFollowSports was on hand for a “Munch & More” interactive session, with Coach Kill serving as the keynote speaker. The event was organized by the Minneapolis Northwest Convention & Visitors Bureau. It took place in the President’s Club of TCF Bank Stadium, the home field of the Gophers.

Kill spoke about the importance of possessing a positive outlook, as well as his journey through life and coaching. Kill attributes his success to hard work, honesty and that previously noted positive attitude. He believes the harder you work, the better your chances are to succeed.

Kill’s approach to life has not only helped him on the football field, but also during his fight and eventual survival from kidney cancer.

When talking about his diagnoses Kill explained, “A 4th and 1 is not as scary as the challenge he faced as he went into surgery.”

Coming off last season’s 3-9 record, the Gophers appear to be in good hands with Kill. Minnesota fans hope his positive attitude can rebuild this once proud program.