PROVO — BYU’s top defensive coordinator is making a last-minute decision on the Cougars’ season opener Saturday against FCS opponent Southern Illinois (6 p.m. MDT, ESPN+).

Jay Hill, who is also the associate head coach at BYU and is in his second season with the program, underwent a medical procedure to clear blockages in two arteries in his heart, his father, Ferrell, told the Deseret News.

Hill, 49, underwent a medical procedure at Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem after he “felt something was wrong” on the way home from practice on Thursday, he said on Instagram. His wife, Sara, drove him to the hospital, where the couple received news of two arterial blockages in his heart that required surgery to place a stent to relieve the pressure.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would suffer a heart attack at the age of 49,” he wrote on Instagram. “I cannot thank the doctors, nurses and staff enough for all their expertise, professionalism and care. I have now been discharged from the hospital and am feeling much better and looking forward to a speedy recovery.”

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake will assume the role of defensive coordinator for the game, the university confirmed.

“We spent some time with him on Friday,” Ferrell Hill told the Deseret News, adding that the coach hoped to be available to coach from the box that evening. “He’s doing really well as far as that first procedure. I think he’ll be back to 100 percent and back to his old self in a couple of days.”

Hill joined Sitake’s coaching staff last year after a nine-year stint at Weber State. The Lehi native who played cornerback at the University of Utah, where he began his coaching career, led the Wildcats to a 68-39 record in his decade as head coach, including four Big Sky championships and six FCS playoff appearances.

As news of his condition spread on social media Friday night and Saturday morning, fans from all over the Beehive State — including BYU, Utah and Weber State — sent wishes to the coach on his recovery, including former Weber State athletic director Jerry Bovee.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to Jay and Sara Hill and the kids during this time,” Bovee wrote on social media platform X. “They are the most resilient couple you will ever find and as tough as can be! Blessings and love flow from the Bovees to coach Jay Hill during this time! Love you brother!”