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USF Assistant Eager To Return To Work

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 23, 2008

TAMPA - On Monday, new University of South Florida defensive line coach John Hendrick hopes his life can return to normal.

And that means he can resume coaching - three weeks after suffering a heart attack.

The night of July 1, the 48-year-old Hendrick had completed his usual workout of walking and running for about 90 minutes. He had then begun his regimen of pushups and sit-ups when he said he felt something in his chest and neck.

"I knew what was happening," Hendrick said.

Hendrick told his wife, Katherine, and was able to quickly get to a hospital.

Hendrick, who had passed a full physical 10 days earlier, had two stents inserted into his arteries and was told he had 85 percent blockage.

"I'm blessed there was no permanent damage," Hendrick said. "It was a blessing that it happened now instead of later when there was maybe 95 percent blockage.

"I'm blessed God smiled on me. I'm able to open my eyes every day."

A three-year starting defensive lineman at the University of Pittsburgh from 1979-81, Hendrick is beginning his 27th year coaching, including eight seasons as an assistant at Mississippi State.

In 1991-92, Hendrick worked with USF coach Jim Leavitt on the Kansas State staff.

Leavitt didn't return phone calls Tuesday, but he said in March that Hendrick "has been a good friend for many years and I have always admired his work ethic and coaching pedigree."

Since his heart attack, Hendrick said he has slowly built up from walking five minutes a day to 35 minutes a day. He hasn't been cleared to drive yet and has rarely ventured into the Bulls' football offices.

Hendrick said he's eager to return.

"I'm excited about our guys," Hendrick said. "Our inside guys on the defensive line are young guys, but we have the ability to have a pretty decent group.

"I look forward to getting back to work. I really like the guys on our staff. I miss dealing with the players. I'm looking forward to coming back."

Hendrick said he's received calls from all over the country since his heart attack. He's eagerly awaiting his visit to the cardiologist Monday. If cleared, Hendrick said he'll return to work Monday.

"I'm ready to go back to work and do what I love to do - and that's coaching," Hendrick said. "I can coach football on the moon."

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

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