Prayers up to New Mexico head coach Bob Davie. Davie has been dealing with an unspecified health issue since Saturday, and that issue is serious enough that he won’t be traveling to South Bend when the Lobos take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish next week. The school released a statement from Davie earlier today explaining the decision.
The following is a statement from @UNMLoboFB coach Bob Davie. #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/rDgcQQ5YyP
— New Mexico Lobos (@UNMLOBOS) September 5, 2019
Following New Mexico’s 39-31 victory over Sam Houston State in the Lobos’ opener, Davie was forced to call off his post-game press conference. According to reports, the head coach had been experiencing chest pains and it was feared that he was dealing with cardiac problems. No official statement has been given in this matter as health issues are typically kept private
Statement from New Mexico AD on Bob Davie’s hospitalization pic.twitter.com/AnKaNUHa1H
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) September 1, 2019
Davie’s return to South Bend for Notre Dame’s season opener would have added intrigue to an otherwise nondescript non-conference game. Davie coached Notre Dame from 1997 to 2001, compiling a 35-25 record during his time on campus. He led the Irish to appearances in the Gator Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl, but he was fired after a 5-6 season in 2001. Now, everyone is just hoping that Davie will be alright.
Like so many other coaches, Davie moved from the field to the studio set after his departure from Notre Dame. He worked for ESPN and ABC from 2002 to 2011 before being hired by New Mexico to replace Mike Locksley. Davie led the Lobos to back-to-back bowl games in 2015 and 2016, and New Mexico nearly won a conference title for the first time since the 1960s in 2016. The team has stumbled over the last two seasons though, posting consecutive 3-9 campaigns.
While Davie is recuperating, offensive line coach and run game coordinator Saga Tuitele will take over as New Mexico’s acting head coach. Tuitele is in his fourth season as an assistant with New Mexico.
H/T USA Today and ESPN
