Posted at 6:22 a.m., Friday, June 15, 2007
Brain surgery will sideline Indiana football coach in '07
Associated Press
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana assistant Bill Lynch will replace football coach Terry Hoeppner, who has had brain surgery twice in the last 18 months.The 59-year-old Hoeppner is on his third medical leave from the team. His latest absence, which began in mid-March, is the longest in his two seasons with the team.
"Hep means a great deal to so many of us and his health is a primary concern," IU athletic director Rick Greenspan said Friday in a statement. "As we rapidly approach the season, we believe this clarity is needed regarding the leadership of our football program."
Lynch, who is offensive coordinator and assistant head coach, filled in for Hoeppner during his absences.
Hoeppner's wife, Jane, said her husband received chemotherapy and radiation treatments in the last few months.
"This battle requires us to focus our energy and attention on aiding his recovery in every way we can," she said in a statement. "Our family is confident that Bill and the staff will do a great job this season. These comments would be incomplete without Hep's ultimate statement to all of you — Don't quit."
Hoeppner, who was 48-25 in six years at Miami, was hired by Indiana after the 2004 season and posted a 9-14 record with the Hoosiers. In December, Hoeppner signed a two-year contract extension through June 2012.
"His courage serves as an example to all of us and we are prepared to follow his example as we look to achieve great things this season," Lynch said.
