We briefly reported on this story yesterday. Denver Broncos head coach John Fox took himself to a Charlotte area hospital Saturday morning after feeling light-headed during a round of golf on his teams bye week.It turns out Fox had a really good reason to be concerned. He will be undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery on his heart sometime this week.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Fox had been made aware he had some heart issues and was trying to make it through the season before having the procedure. His doctor had warned him to seek medical help immediately if he felt strange.
That's exactly what he did.
Schefter reports Fox will miss "Several Weeks" after the procedure and while he recovers. Though we don't exactly know what "Several weeks" means.
In the meantime, the 7-1 Broncos will turn to Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase and former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach and current Broncos Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio to run the team in Fox's absence.
Your TV Story from WCNC-TV in Charlotte, NC:
AM UPDATE: The Broncos and Fox released statements on the matter “Denver Broncos Head Coach John Fox will undergo an aortic heart valve replacement early next week at a Charlotte-area hospital. He will take a leave of absence from coaching for at least the next several weeks. “Our focus at this time is Coach Fox’s health and well-being. We extend our thoughts and well-wishes to him for a full and speedy recovery. “Coach Fox was advised by doctors months ago that his defective aortic valve would require this procedure following the 2013 season. As part of his trip to North Carolina over the bye week, he had a preoperative appointment on Thursday with his doctor, who informed him to seek medical attention immediately if he felt any discomfort. “On Saturday, Coach Fox began feeling light-headed while golfing with friends. He was taken to a hospital, where testing revealed he needed to have this procedure as soon as possible. “The club will announce its interim head coach as soon as that decision is finalized.” STATEMENT FROM HEAD COACH JOHN FOX: “I sincerely appreciate all of the support from friends, Denver Broncos fans and so many around the league today. “Although I am disappointed I must take some time away from the team to attend to this pre-existing health condition, I understand that it’s the right thing to do. I have great confidence in our coaches and players, who are fully committed to our goals. “I look forward to returning to coaching as soon as possible.”
