Michigan running backs coach Mike Hart collapsed on the sideline late in the first quarter of today’s game at Indiana. It took a moment for the Fox broadcast to pick up the situation, but once they did it became evident something was wrong.

It wasn’t immediately clear what happened to the former Wolverine superstar. And when the emergency cart was brought out to assist Hart it only added to the confusion. Fox’s Rob Stone later reported that Hart suffered a seizure on the sideline.

He was taken to a local hospital and head coach Jim Harbaugh said Hart will stay there overnight for observation. It has been reported that Hart is doing fine and was delivered the game ball after the Wolverines victory.

Emotional Sideline

Fox again panned over to the Michigan sideline after Hart was removed from the field. It was a reminder of what position coaches mean to their players. Running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards were clearly shaken by what happened to their coach. Jim Harbaugh and several assistant coaches consoled the pair as best they could given the situation.

Corum later admitted he was thinking about his coach for the rest of the game.

“It’s just something you never want to see,” Corum said. “(It was) in the back of my mind (during the game).”

Hart was an assistant with the Hoosiers before he returned to coach at Michigan in 2021. Multiple Indiana coaches came off their sideline to give Hart their best wishes while he was being carted off the field.

Indiana head coach Tom Allen said he and Hart had talked this week prior to the game.

“Very close with Mike,” Allen said. “Talked to him even this week via text before we played him. It sounds like he is going to be okay, but obviously a concern when he went down. Our hearts are heavy for him and his family. Prayers for them.”

Photograph of Mike Hart/Sports Illustrated