Michigan vs. Indiana took a scary turn Saturday, when Michigan running back coach Mike Hart collapsed on the sideline and had to be taken off on a stretcher.
The longtime Wolverine has been back with the program since 2021, when he came on as running backs coach. Before that, he was a running backs coach and associate head coach with the Hoosiers.
Players and coaches were emotional as Hart was carted off the field.
Michigan players and coaches consoled each other after RB coach Mike Hart collapsed on the sideline and had to be carted away.
🎥 @CFBONFOXpic.twitter.com/ZvE9ROlNwH
— The Athletic CFB (@TheAthleticCFB) October 8, 2022
MORE: Alabama backup Jalen Milroe starting for Tide
Hart was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
“Coach Mike Hart has left Memorial Stadium in an ambulance for further evaluation with his wife by his side and he was alert on the stretcher, giving the thumbs up.”@JennyTaft gives the latest update on the @UMichFootball RB Coach pic.twitter.com/w7tubrSOnb
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 8, 2022
Fox reported at halftime Hart suffered a seizure on the sideline.
After the game, head coach Jim Harbaugh gave a statement in which he called it a “medical emergency” and said Hart would be staying in Bloomington overnight for continued observation. “In the moment, everybody’s thoughts were with Mike,” Harbaugh said. “Mine were and everyone around us was to get him the care that he needed … The most important thing is his health at that point in time.”
An update on @MHart2032 from Coach Harbaugh pic.twitter.com/Q2dpjBNFb2
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) October 8, 2022
On Thursday, an update on Hart said he’s assisting with Michigan’s gameplan for an upcoming bout with conference twin Penn State from home and he’s hoping to return to the team “soon,” per MLive.
“We have had Mike Zoom in,” co-offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore said to reporters Wednesday in regards to Hart. “He’s doing well, as he’s put out. But he’s Zoomed in to meetings.” Hart isn’t expected to be on the sidelines for the home game against Penn State, with offensive analyst Fred Jackson being added to the on-field staff.
Hart is a name that is intrinsically tied to Michigan football. Playing from 2004 to 2007, he is Michigan’s all-time leading rusher at 5,040 yards, known for his almost bowling ball-esque style of running due to his stout stature.
Hart was drafted in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts and played three NFL seasons before being released ahead of 2011.
Hart was anticipating his return to Bloomington this week, and he had praise for Indiana’s Tom Allen, who he coached under from 2017 to 2020.
“I was there for four years and I love Tom Allen,” Hart said, per MLive. “I respect that program a lot. He helped me. He changed me. I always have the utmost respect for them — at the highest level. A lot of those kids I recruited, I helped recruit, and they’re good. They play hard.”
Hits: 1
