UPDATED 2/14/2012 @ 3:27 p.m. ET: North Texas head coach Dan McCarney confirmed to the Des Moines Register that he had indeed suffered a stroke over the weekend. McCarney told the paper that, after his daily workout Sunday morning, he “was just sitting down to eat a sandwich when my left side went numb.”
He remains hospitalized, but doctors told him he’s fine and that "[t]hey’re expecting a full recovery – no permanent damage.” The health issue should not prevent McCarney from coaching his team in spring practice.
As for the steps he will take to get beyond the medical setback and ensure his presence at the sessions?
“Nothing wrong with me that a little Grey Goose won’t cure,” the 58-year-old coach said, quickly becoming the leader in the clubhouse for inspirational quote of the year in college football.
In a press release issued Tuesday afternoon, UNT confirmed that McCarney has been moved out of ICU and will continue to undergo medical treatment. A statement from McCarney was also included in the release:First, thanks to all the wonderful people who sent well-wishes during my time of illness. I am reminded of how truly blessed I am by the number of family, friends and colleagues that have reached out to show support to Margy and myself with words of support and encouragement.
After suffering numbness on the left side of my body Sunday, we called 911 and were subsequently rushed to the hospital. I have been told by the doctors that the early recognition of the symptoms and the quick response of the paramedics indeed helped minimize the impact of the stroke. Thanks to the care of the wonderful medical staff that I have been under, I am confident that there will be no long-lasting effects and I will be able to return my normal routine in time.
While I have a great passion for coaching and approach my job with a tireless effort, I’m sure that my doctors will ask that I come back at a slower pace. I fully intend on leading the North Texas football program through spring drills and can’t wait to be back around my staff and players.
If there is any lesson to be learned in all of this it is to make yourself aware of the signs of a stroke and act immediately when those signs become present. I’m not sure if our quick reaction saved my life, but it definitely save the quality of my life.
Thanks again for all the thoughts, prayers and signs of support.
______________________________
There’s some potentially unfortunate news coming out of Denton, Texas, today involving North Texas head coach Dan McCarney.
According to the Twitter account of Iowa State women’s basketball coach Bill Fennelly, McCarney suffered a stroke. A spokesperson close to McCarney confirmed to CFT that the coach was admitted to a hospital yesterday and underwent “a battery of tests”, but could not provide any more details.
UNT athletic director Rick Villarreal offered the following statement:
“Yesterday afternoon after returning from Miami I spoke with Margy McCarney who said that her husband, Dan, had experienced some medical difficulties significant enough that he was taken to the hospital. The details that we know at this time are that he was admitted and is currently undergoing a battery of tests and will continue to be under observation.
“The exact cause and nature of the symptoms of his illness are not immediately known by us at this time. The family has asked until a complete diagnosis and a course of treatment is established that their privacy be respected. We can’t comment any further at this time and will release information as it becomes available and approved by the family.”
McCarney led North Texas to a 5-7 season in his first year with the Mean Green after spending three years as the defensive line coach at Florida. McCarney also spent 12 years as the head coach at Iowa State.
Obviously, our thoughts are with McCarney and his family, and hopefully, we’ll be able to update this story with some more positive news soon.