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PROVO — BYU's top defensive coordinator is a game-time decision for the Cougars' home opener Saturday against FCS foe Southern Illinois (6 p.m. MDT, ESPN+).
Jay Hill, who is also BYU's associate head coach in his second season with the program, had a medical procedure to clear blockages in two arteries in his heart, his father, Ferrell, told the Deseret News.
Hill, 49, underwent a medical procedure at Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem after he "felt something was wrong" on his drive home from practice Thursday, he said on Instagram. His wife, Sara, drove him to hospital, where the couple received news of two arterial blockages in his heart that required surgery to insert a stent to relieve the pressure.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be having a heart attack at age 49," he wrote on Instagram. "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."
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake will assume defensive coordinator responsibilities for the game, the university confirmed.
"Friday we went and spent some time with him," Ferrell Hill told the Deseret News, adding that the coach hoped to be available to coach from the box in the evening. "He is doing really good as far as that first procedure is concerned. I think he will be back to 100% and back to his old self in a couple of days."
Hill joined Sitake's coaching staff last year after nine years at Weber State. The Lehi native who played cornerback at the University of Utah, where he began his coaching career, led the Wildcats to a 68-39 record in his decade as head coach, including four Big Sky championships and six FCS playoff appearances.
As news of his condition spread on social media Friday night and into Saturday morning, fans from all corners of the Beehive State — including BYU, Utah and Weber State — send well wishes to the coach in his recovery, including former Weber State athletic director Jerry Bovee.
"Thoughts and prayers going out to Jay and Sara Hill and the kids at this time," Bovee wrote on social media platform X. "They are the most resilient couple you will ever find and tough as it gets! Blessing and love flowing from the Bovees to coach Jay Hill at this time! Love ya brother!"
Thoughts and prayers going out to Jay and Sara Hill and the kids at this time! They are the most resilient couple you will ever find and tough as it gets! Blessing and love flowing from the Bovee's to @CoachJayHill at this time! Love ya brother!
— Jerry Bovee (@JerryBovee) August 31, 2024
