McKay’s Real Mission Revealed: Triple-Bypass Surgery Successful

John McKay came into town last weekend, ostensibly to honor eight sports personalities at a benefit that aided the Cedars-Sinai Medical Genetics and Birth Defects Center.

McKay, the former USC and Tampa Bay Buccaneer coach, told his wife, Corky, that he is now qualified to join the CIA.

McKay’s real mission was more serious--triple-bypass heart surgery at the St. John’s Heart Institute in Santa Monica.

The operation was performed Tuesday night and was described Wednesday by a hospital spokeswoman as successful. “Dr. Nicholas Diaco states that coach McKay is stable, his condition is excellent and will be in a discharged in a day or two,” she said.

Nicholas Diaco is the twin brother of Joseph Diaco, team physician for the Buccaneers.

Corky McKay, who was visiting friends here Wednesday, said her husband is doing fine. “He looks better than I do,” she said.

McKay, who will be 63 next month, is serving as a consultant to the Tampa Bay club, although he is in semi-retirement and is expected to make his permanent home in Southern California. He previously held the title of president after serving as coach of the team from its inaugural season as an expansion club in 1976 through 1984. His record with the Buccaneers was 44-88-1.

McKay coached USC from 1960 through 1975, bringing the Trojans four national championships, nine Pacific 8 championships and eight visits to the Rose Bowl. His record at USC was 127-40-8.

Nick Pappas, a development consultant to the USC athletic department, is heading a group recommending that McKay be considered for the Hall of Fame of the National Football Foundation.