ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico coach Bob Davie, rushed to an Albuquerque hospital after his team's season-opening victory over Sam Houston State with "a serious medical incident," said Sunday he expects to make a full recovery.
School officials still haven't disclosed Davie's ailment. There was also no immediate word on when he would resume his coaching duties.
The Albuquerque Journal reported that several times during Saturday afternoon's game in which the Lobos won 39-31, Davie could be seen with his hands on his midsection and chest and at one point was kneeling on the sidelines.
Davie, 64, was taken by ambulance to nearby University of New Mexico Hospital after the game with his wife, Joanne, in the front passenger seat.
School officials later said the coach was doing well at the hospital Saturday night and was surrounded by his family.
"I anticipate a full recovery thanks to the excellent care received," Davie said in a statement released by the school Sunday. "My family and I want to thank the UNM training room staff, first responders and UNMH —it is impossible to fully express our gratitude for your swift and professional efforts during a critical time. To the coaching staff and their families — thank you for your support and for taking care of my family and our team during this time."
New Mexico's next game is Sept. 14 at Notre Dame, where Davie formerly coached. He went 35-25 in five seasons as head coach of the Fighting Irish and also served as defensive coordinator under Lou Holtz.
He led the Fighting Irish to three bowl games, including the 2001 Fiesta Bowl.
Davie spent 10 years as an ESPN broadcaster before returning to the sidelines at New Mexico in 2012. He led the Lobos to a 9-4 record in 2016, but that's been followed by back to back 3-9 seasons.
New Mexico suspended Davie for 30 days without pay in February 2018 following multiple investigations into whether he and his coaching staff interfered with criminal investigations or misconduct cases involving players. The school didn't conclude that Davie or his staff obstructed criminal investigations.
Earlier post:
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico coach Bob Davie was recovering in a hospital Saturday night after "a serious medical incident" moments after his team's victory against Sam Houston State.
The school released a statement from the Davie family, saying the 64-year-old coach was "doing well" and surrounded by family.
That came about an hour after athletic director Eddie Nunez made the announcement that Davie had been taken to the hospital after the Lobos won 39-31 at home. According to the Albuquerque Journal, the 64-year-old Davie several times during the game could be seen with his hands on his midsection and chest. At one point, the newspaper reporter, Davie kneeled down during the action.
Davie's wife, Joanne Davie, was seen in the ambulance's front seat as it left for nearby University of New Mexico Hospital.
"Coach Davie is doing well and recovering, he is surrounded by family and your continued thoughts, prayers, and privacy are greatly appreciated during this time," the family said.
Davie is a former Notre Dame coach who is in his eighth season leading the New Mexico program. The Pennsylvania native spent 10 years as an ESPN broadcaster before returning to the sidelines at New Mexico in 2012. He led the Lobos to a 9-4 record in 2016, but that's been followed by back to back 3-9 seasons.
New Mexico suspended Davie for 30 days without pay in February 2018, following multiple investigations into whether he and his coaching staff interfered with criminal investigations or misconduct cases involving players. The school didn't conclude that Davie or his staff obstructed criminal investigation.
He went 35-25 in five seasons as head coach at Notre Dame, where he had served as defensive coordinator. He led the Fighting Irish to three bowl games and its first BCS postseason game, the 2001 Fiesta Bowl. Davie also was the first coach to lead Notre Dame to a bowl game in his first season.
New Mexico's next game is at Notre Dame on Sept. 14.