Schembechler’s Prognosis Good After Heart Bypass

ANN ARBOR, Mich. —  Doctors said Bo Schembechler’s prognosis for recovery was good after the Michigan football coach emerged Tuesday night from a second quadruple heart bypass operation.

Schembechler, 58, was listed in satisfactory condition in the intensive care unit of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where he underwent the seven-hour procedure Tuesday, hospital officials said.

Barring complications, Schembechler is expected to be released from the hospital after a recovery period of 7 to 10 days, officials said.

The veteran coach, who suffered a heart attack in 1969, entered the hospital Monday for a checkup after stress tests a week earlier, hospital spokesman Bill Brauker said. Schembechler was about to be released Tuesday when he complained of chest pains, the spokesman said.

Schembechler would probably have suffered a major heart attack without the operation, said Dr. Otto Gago, a thoracic surgeon who performed both Tuesday’s procedure and the coach’s first quadruple bypass in 1976.

Although there were no problems related to the first operation, Schembechler was found to be among the 60% of all bypass patients who redevelop arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, Gago said.

Schembechler will not have to limit his activity after recovery but will have to watch his diet, Gago said without elaborating.

Meanwhile, it was “almost impossible” that Schembechler would coach Michigan in the Hall of Fame Bowl postseason game against Alabama on Jan. 2 in Tampa, Fla., said Bruce Madej, the school’s sports information director.

“At this time, it has been determined that (offensive coordinator and assistant) coach Gary Moeller has been designated as the acting coach,” Madej said.

Moeller will begin holding staff meetings today and will supervise practices, beginning Friday, the spokesman said.

Athletic Director Don Canham said Schembechler had asked that Moeller be appointed acting head coach.

The Wolverines (7-4) were to fly to Tampa on Dec. 27 to prepare for the bowl game, Madej said.

“From all indicators, it would be almost impossible to see him out there,” Madej said of the head coach. “But you never know. We’re talking about Bo Schembechler.”

Schembechler was hospitalized in October and November this year to have kidney stones dissolved, said Jody Humphries, Michigan’s assistant sports information director.

Humphries said until his surgery, Schembechler was a strong candidate for the position of athletic director.

Canham announced last year he was stepping down from his position.

Schembechler, in his 19th season at Michigan, has a record of 174-44-4. His overall coaching record, including six seasons at Miami of Ohio, is 214-61-7.