Kill says he's focused on Illinois, dismisses Michigan job chatter

With the Gophers continuing to win under fourth-year coach Jerry Kill, the speculation was bound to start sometime. How long before another school tries to swoop him away?

This week, SI.com mentioned Kill as a potential coach at Michigan if Brady Hoke gets fired, writing Kill "would be a wonderful fit in Ann Arbor, as all he's done is win at Southern Illinois, Northern Illinois and now Minnesota."

Asked about the Michigan speculation Thursday on his weekly radio show, Kill told 100.3-FM, "Number one, Brady is my friend. And number two, that lady there is in charge."

Kill was pointing to his wife, Rebecca. He has often said how much their family enjoys Minnesota.

"It's a compliment," Kill said of the speculation. "But I've seen a lot of coaches get caught up in all of that stuff, and that's when you're not successful. I've said all along, this is my home. And as long as people want me in this home, I'm in good shape.

"If we don't beat Illinois [on Saturday], they may be calling me in and there won't be any mention, except get a road map. So I think it's more important for us to take care of that."

Kill's staff has gone up against Illinois offensive coordinator Bill Cubit many times, going back to Cubit's seasons as the head coach at Western Michigan from 2005 to 2012.

"[Cubit's] good at adjusting to what he has," Kill said. "He went in there last year did a heck of a job. He's one of the most respected guys we go against. He just makes it tough on you."