Doctors say damage to MSU coach's heart was "minimal," but Dantonio will be hospitalized for an undetermined period of time.
Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio was resting comfortably Sunday afternoon after a surgical procedure to place a stent near his heart following a heart attack late Saturday night. EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio was hospitalized with symptoms consistent with a heart attack shortly after an overtime victory against Notre Dame Saturday night.
The school, which called a news conference for Sunday afternoon, said Dantonio had a stent put in a blocked blood vessel leading to the heart.
"The procedure was successful and blood flow to the heart muscle was restored," Dr. Chris D'Haem said in a statement. "I'm very pleased with the outcome of the procedure. Coach Dantonio is resting comfortably following his procedure and is expected to make a full recovery.
"He is young, in excellent shape and the damage to his heart was minimal."
The 54-year-old Dantonio is expected to stay at Sparrow Hospital near campus for a few days.
Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell will lead the team during Dantonio's indefinite absence. The No. 25 Spartans play Northern Colorado on Saturday.
"This is a time for Spartan Nation to rally around Coach D and the football program," Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said in a statement. "We all look forward to his return to the sidelines. The thoughts of the entire Spartan family are with Coach D, his wife Becky and his daughters Kristen and Lauren."
Dantonio certainly isn't the first high-profile coach to experience health problems.
Florida coach Urban Meyer was hospitalized with chest pains in December after his Gators lost the Southeastern Conference championship game to Alabama. A couple weeks later, Meyer resigned citing health concerns, but less than 24 hours later, he took back his resignation.
Meyer was later diagnosed esophageal spasms and he is taking medication to fight the problem.
Dantonio went to the hospital soon after making an audacious call that led to one of the biggest wins of his career -- and one of the signature moments of the season so far.
He decided to fake a field goal that could've forced a second overtime against the Irish, choosing instead to have holder Aaron Bates throw a pass that turned into a 29-yard touchdown that lifted the Spartans to a 34-31 victory.
The win put Michigan State in this week's Associated Press poll at No. 25.