New Mexico State coach Jerry Kill steps down, Aggies promote Tony Sanchez as successor

New Mexico State coach Jerry Kill stepped down from his post Saturday. The Aggies have promoted wide receivers coach (and former UNLV head coach) Tony Sanchez to serve as his successor. Kill leaves New Mexico State with a 17-11 overall record. The 62-year-old Kill has battled health issues in the past, including dealing with the effects of epilepsy since 2005. 

“Firstly, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the New Mexico State administration—President Jay Gogue, Mario Moccia, and Braun Cartwright,” Kill said in a statement released by the school. “They’ve been invaluable in our achievements over the last two years. I also want to express my deep gratitude to the people of Las Cruces. Aggie Nation has been incredibly supportive, and I will always be thankful for the opportunity I was given to lead their team. 

“This year has been tremendously difficult for me, and I gave it everything I had physically, mentally and emotionally. New Mexico State holds a special place in my heart as it marks the end of my journey as a head coach. While I’ll remain involved with the Aggies, I recognize the need for a head coach with a lot of energy. Good luck to Coach Sanchez, the student-athletes and New Mexico State University.” 

Kill just led New Mexico State to its first 10-win season since 1960. In just his second season with the Aggies, he posted a  7-1 in Conference USA and finished with a loss in the New Mexico Bowl to Fresno State. After a loss, he put bowl host and NMSU rival New Mexico on blast, calling out alleged “chickenshit” behavior by UNM athletic director Eddie Nuñez leading up to the game. 

“When [Nuñez] doesn’t let us practice in the indoor facility, when he doesn’t want us to do this, do that, that’s chickenshit,” Kill said, per KTSM….

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/new-mexico-state-coach-jerry-kill-steps-down-aggies-promote-tony-sanchez-as-successor/

Author : Will Backus

Publish date : 2023-12-24 01:36:44

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