Michigan assistant Mike Hart "trending in a positive direction" after sideline collapse
Michigan running backs coach Mike Hart collapsed on the sideline early during the Wolverines’ 31-10 win at Indiana. There were reports that he had a seizure, though U-M sources would only deem it a “medical emergency.”
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Hart was carted from the field and coherent, giving a thumbs up while they took him from the field. His running backs, Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, seemed to take it especially hard, but they rallied in his absence.
They got word at halftime from Hart that he was “okay.” That was the news in the postgame, as well, sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy relayed.
Today, Hart updated his health in a statement released by the team.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support, messages, and prayers,” Hart said. “I am truly grateful for the trainers and paramedics, the doctor and nurses at IU Hospital, Michigan’s team doctors, coaching staff, players, and Coach [Jim] Harbaugh. I would also like to thank IU’s football staff and team doctors. I will never forget everyone’s kindness and generosity. My wife and I are thankful to be surrounded by such incredible people.
“Health-wise, I am back in Ann Arbor and trending in a positive direction. I look forward to rejoining our team soon.”
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Harbaugh said grad assistant Nico Tiberia coached the group in Hart’s absence, though analyst and former Michigan running backs coach Fred Jackson also appeared heavily involved on the sidelines. Jackson coached Hart during his tenure at Michigan, starting him as a freshman in 2004 and going through 2007.
“It’s one of those things you obviously never want to see. It was hard to see, just because of the relationship I have with Coach Hart, the love I have for him,” Corum said after the game. “Obviously, it was in the back of my mind. The love I have for Coach Hart is way bigger than football.
“But I knew he would want the RBs to go out there and handle business. He prepared us really well throughout the week. We did a great job and did what we had to do. So yeah, it was a little difficult at first, for sure. But we stuck together, and we knew what he would want us to do.”
Michigan will host Penn State Saturday in a battle of top 10 teams in Ann Arbor. There’s no word yet whether Hart will be there coaching, but the news of his recovery is certainly positive.
