Denver Broncos head coach John Fox to have heart surgery

Denver Broncos head coach John Fox was taken to the hospital Saturday after he began feeling dizzy and experiencing chest pains.  It was believed that he had a heart attack.  While that proved to be false, Fox will require heart surgery and is expected to miss several weeks per team spokesman Patrick Smyth. The 58-year-old Fox will undergo aortic valve replacement surgery at a hospital in Charlotte, N.C.

The Broncos haven’t name an interim head coach. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio are expected to have added duties, sources said.

Fox had been told earlier about his heart condition and was hoping to put off the operation until after the season. As part of his trip to North Carolina over the Broncos’ bye week, he met with his cardiologist and was told to seek medical attention immediately if he felt any discomfort.

On Saturday, Fox became dizzy playing golf near his offseason home in the Charlotte area and was taken to a hospital, where tests revealed he couldn’t wait any longer to have the surgery.

“I sincerely appreciate all of the support from friends, Denver Broncos fans and so many around the league today,” Fox said in a statement released by the team Saturday night. “Although I am disappointed I must take some time away from the team to attend to this pre-existing health condition, I understand that it’s the right thing to do. I have great confidence in our coaches and players, who are fully committed to our goals.

“I look forward to returning to coaching as soon as possible.”

The Broncos are currently 7-1.