The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Michigan coach who collapsed on sideline ‘trending in a positive direction’

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Updated October 10, 2022 at 10:40 a.m. EDT|Published October 8, 2022 at 4:37 p.m. EDT
Michigan running backs coach Mike Hart was carted off the field during the first half against Indiana on Saturday. (Doug McSchooler/AP)

Michigan running backs coach Mike Hart, whose collapse on the sideline during the Wolverines’ game Saturday at Indiana led to a scary moment that appeared to shake players on both teams, said Monday that his health “is trending in a positive direction” as he recovers in Ann Arbor.

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“I would like to thank everyone for their support, messages and prayers. I am truly grateful for the trainers and paramedics, the doctors and nurses at IU Hospital, Michigan’s team doctors, coaching staff, players and Coach [Jim] Harbaugh,” he said in a statement released by the Michigan football program. “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 things are trending in a positive direction. I look forward to rejoining our team soon.”

Hart was carted off the field after suffering what the Fox broadcast said was a seizure. He was taken to a hospital and offered no additional details on his condition Monday.

Hart fell with around five minutes left in the first quarter. Players dropped to one knee, and several Michigan coaches surrounded Hart as trainers treated him. Hart was able to move his extremities and was placed on a stretcher before he was carted off the field.

Michigan’s all-time leading rusher, Hart was a four-year starter from 2004 to 2007. He spent three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and later joined the staff at Indiana, where he spent four seasons coaching running backs before he returned to Ann Arbor last year.

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Under his tutelage, Wolverines running back Blake Corum has transformed into one of the top backs in the country, ranking second in the nation with 11 rushing touchdowns and third with 735 rushing yards. As Hart was taken away, Corum and teammate Donovan Edwards were visibly emotional on the sideline as teammates and coaches tried to comfort them. Following a slow start, the fourth-ranked Wolverines defeated Indiana, 31-10.

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