It doesn’t appear that Gophers linebackers coach Mike Sherels will return to the team any time soon after undergoing surgery last week.
Gophers head coach Tracy Claeys said Thursday that Sherels will be away from the team as he continues to recover from recent surgeries. Claeys announced that Keith Jordan will serve as the acting linebackers coach as Sherels recovers.
Claeys said there has been no timetable set for Sherels’ return.
The Daily Gopher notes that his condition is unknown, but the situation was serious enough that it caused his brother Vikings punt returner Marcus Sherels to miss the preseason opener in Cincinnati.
“We want to thank everyone for respecting Mike’s privacy and that of his family,” Claeys said in a statement. “We ask that you continue to do so as he recovers. Mike is a resilient man who represents the best of college football. He will be in our daily thoughts as we continue to prepare for the season, and we look forward to Mike’s return to the staff when he is ready.”
Jordan is in his 35th year of working in football. He has handled Minnesota’s special teams quality control.
Prior to coming to Minnesota, he was the defensive coordinator at Fort Scott Community College and has also spent time at Northern Michigan, Northeast Missouri State and Southwest Baptist. He also spent 17 seasons coaching high school football.
The Gophers open the season Sept. 1 against Oregon State.
