Michigan Assistant Coach 'Trending In Right Direction' After Collapse

ANN ARBOR, MI — Michigan assistant football coach Mike Hart is “trending in the right direction” Monday after he collapsed on the sidelines due to a medical emergency during the Wolverines' win over Indiana on Saturday.

Hart, 36, released a statement through the university on Monday that said is back in Ann Arbor after spending the night in a Bloomington, Ind. hospital Saturday night. Michigan’s all-time leading rusher was taken from the field on a cart on Saturday after he collapsed.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support, messages, and prayers,” Hart said in a statement released by Michigan. “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 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.”

Hart said he hopes to rejoin Michigan’s team soon, but the university has not announced his status for the Wolverines’ game against Penn State on Saturday in Ann Arbor. Hart is now resting at home after returning to Michigan with his wife on Sunday.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh characterized Hart’s collapse in the first quarter as a medical emergency but did not elaborate. Wolverines players told reporters after Saturday’s 31-10 victory over the Hoosiers that witnessing the episode took an emotional toll but were made aware that Hart was alert and moving after collapsing.

Harbaugh said on Saturday that events like the one involving Hart put things in perspective.

“It’s definitely one of those events in life you sit back and you’re just in shock, like, ‘Oh my God, that just happened,’” quarterback J.J. McCarthy told reporters. “And especially on the football field and especially with Coach Hart. That’s somebody who was waiting for this game, had this marked on his schedule. All prayers go up to him. He’s one heck of a coach. I have so much respect for him, and I’m just happy to hear he’s OK. But it definitely caught us off guard for sure.”