The SIU-Carbondale athletics department has a new leader.
Former Saluki football coach Jerry Kill is the new head of athletics - at least for the time being.
During a news conference Thursday afternoon at Saluki Stadium, Kill said he's not accepted the job on a permanent basis.
"Do I have the confidence that they would like me to do this? Yes. But, I have to get a feel if this is what I want to do. I've been trying to retire, I've also had some situations health wise. I got to make sure I get checked out there."
Kill is a cancer survivor, although he indicated his cancer is back in a different location. He vowed to beat it. Epilepsy has also interrupted Kill's coaching career over the years.
Kill said call him coach, not athletic director.
"I'm here to help the athletic program right now. I'm the leader of the athletic program right now. I'll make the decisions of what goes on in the athletic department right now. Now, whatever you call it, it don't really matter to me."
Kill said the SIU Athletics Department has good facilities, but needs more resources.
"You look at our baseball program, 'how they win I'll never know with the budget they got.' That's what I'm talking about. My job is to help them be successful. I always thought that when I was a coach."
This move comes about a month after Kill started as an ambassador and fundraiser under Chancellor Carlo Montemagno.
