Mike Sherels has officially been promoted to Gophers linebacker coach. The team made it official Friday with a press release touting Sherels' rise from walk-on player to two-time captain to graduate assistant and now full-time coach.

Sherels replaces Bill Miller, who left to become the linebackers coach at Florida State.

"I am very happy for Mike," Coach Jerry Kill said in the press release. "He has been with us for the last three years and knows and understands what we are trying to do here. He is a former two-time Gopher captain and truly loves Minnesota. This really is a dream come true for him.

"Mike is a terrific on-field coach and is a relatable presence to today's players. I cannot wait to see him recruit, as nobody can tell our story better than him. I expect his transition to be a smooth one and am excited to see him embrace his new role."

A Rochester native, Sherels made 30 starts at linebacker for the Gophers between 2003 and 2007, recording 219 tackles.

"I am extremely thankful to Coach Kill and the rest of the staff for having the belief in me to handle this job," Sherels said in the press release. "It is a dream come true to coach at my alma mater and to represent my home state."

Note: The Gophers will hold their third spring practice on Saturday at 11:20 a.m. They were originally scheduled to practice Sunday, as well, but they announced today that they have moved that practice to a later date, to be determined.