Minnesota parts ways with offensive coordinator, QBs coach

FILE - In this Nov. 7, 2015, file photo, Minnesota interim head coach Tracy Claeys gestures on the sidelines during an NCAA college football game against Ohio State, in Columbus, Ohio. Minnesota says it has signed football coach Tracy Claeys to a three-year contract. Claeys succeeds his friend Jerry Kill, who resigned Oct. 28 because of health reasons. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)

Minnesota head coach Tracy Claeys has made some changes to his offensive staff.

Claeys, who was named the Gophers’ permanent head coach earlier this month, announced Sunday that offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover and passing game coordinator Jim Zebrowski will “not have their contracts renewed.”

“Matt and Jim are both terrific people and coaches, but I have decided to make a change that will better fit my offensive philosophy, which is to have one coordinator calling the plays,” Claeys said in a statement. “They have been great representatives for the university and always put our student-athletes first, and I thank them for their contributions to our program and wish them well in the future.”

According to the Star-Tribune, Claeys informed the team of his decision during a meeting on Sunday evening.

Claeys was Minnesota’s defensive coordinator under Jerry Kill until Kill resigned on Oct. 28 because of health reasons. Claeys first took over as head coach on an interim basis but had the interim tag lifted on Nov. 11.

Claeys had been a defensive coordinator under Kill for 21 years at five different programs. Limegrover, who also coached the offensive line, had been with the two for much of the way, joining Kill’s staff at Division-II Emporia State in 1999.

Zebrowski was first hired by Kill when he was the head coach at Northern Illinois in 2010. He then joined the Gophers staff when UM hired Kill in 2011.

Minnesota, which finished the season at 5-7 after losing to Wisconsin on Saturday, was No. 103 out of 127 FBS teams in total offense (357.1 yards per game) and No. 104 nationally in scoring offense (22.6 points per game).

For more Minnesota news, GopherIllustrated.com.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!