PROVO, Utah (ABC4 Sports) – BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill was hospitalized for a heart procedure but is “feeling much better,” and hopes “to be back at it soon,” he told ABC4.
Hill, who turned 49 in March, will miss tonight’s season opener against Southern Illinois, but is expected to make a full recovery.
Head coach Kalani Sitake will assume the defensive play calling duties.
Hill explained what happened in a post on social media.
“Leaving Thursday practice before the first game of the season is usually so exciting,” Hill wrote on X. “Thursday for me was no exception. I was beyond excited about this team and the players preparation. As I got into the car to drive home that night I knew something was wrong. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be having a heart attack at age 49.
“We quickly went to the hospital and were met by an unbelievable staff of trained medical professionals. I cannot thank the doctors, nurses, and staff enough for all their expertise, professionalism, and care. I have since been released from the hospital and I am feeling much better as I look forward to a fast recovery.
“I want to express my appreciation to all the kind texts, tweets, and messages my family and I have received. That said, I don’t love drama and would hate anything to detract from the excitement of this game. Tonight I pray for the players that they will go out and play to their very best abilities and the focus of this game and season remains on them. Go Cougs!!!”
Go Cougs! pic.twitter.com/Hn9hoR8IUr
— Jay Hill (@CoachJayHill) August 31, 2024
Hill is in his second season as BYU’s defensive coordinator after coming to Provo from Weber State, where he was the head coach from 2014-2022.
Sitake makes QB decision, won’t reveal until game time
Kelly Poppinga, Justin Ena, Jernarno Gilford and Sione Pouha are the other defensive coaches on staff.
BYU and Southern Illinois kick off at 6:00 p.m. Saturday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium.