INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana coach Terry Hoeppner, who has had
brain surgery twice in the last 15 months, will skip spring
practice for health reasons.
Athletic director Rick Greenspan said in a statement Sunday
night Hoeppner had indicated a desire to regain his strength and
energy after a rigorous recruiting campaign. Assistant head coach
Bill Lynch will be in a charge of the team when it begins practice
on Tuesday.
"My faith, my family and the Indiana Football program are the
most important things in my life," Hoeppner said. "In order to
serve them best and make a full recovery, I need to take some time
away to regain my strength and energy."
It's the third time in less than two years that Hoeppner has
temporarily left the team. He had brain surgery in December 2005
and was limited in recruiting and overseeing the Hoosiers'
offseason activities leading up to spring practice in 2006.
In September, Hoeppner again left the team to have brain surgery
for a possible tumor. He was expected to miss two to four weeks,
but returned after missing only two games. Hoeppner later said the
test results revealed the best possible news, implying that doctors
removed scar tissue rather than a tumor.
With Hoeppner back on the sideline, the Hoosiers moved into
position to become bowl-eligible for the first time since 1993. But
Indiana lost its final three games and failed to qualify, finishing
5-7.
Hoeppner is 9-14 in two seasons with the Hoosiers.
Athletic department spokesman Jeff Keag said Hoeppner has not
had any additional surgery since the season ended, but declined to
give a detailed update on Hoeppner's health, citing privacy
concerns.
Near the end of the season there was speculation that Hoeppner
might step aside because for health reasons. Instead, he signed a
two-year contract extension in December.
Hoeppner said in the statement Sunday that he still intended to
coach the Hoosiers this season and beyond.
"We have encouraged Terry to make his family and health a top
priority," Greenspan said. "All of us are hopeful for a quick and
full recovery with coach Hoeppner returning to lead the Indiana
football program."
Lynch also coached the team during Hoeppner's absence last fall.
Lynch, the former Ball State coach, has a career record of
81-67-3 in 14 seasons as a head coach, including eight with the
Cardinals. He joined Hoeppner's staff in 2005, and lost both games
as the interim coach for Indiana last season.
The Hoosiers have scheduled 15 practices, culminating in the
annual spring game April 14.