Jay Hill takes coaching skills to the booth

PROVO, Utah (ABC4 Sports) – Less than two weeks after suffering a heart attack, BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill is trying to dial the stress level down, which seems impossible with such a high stress job.

“It brings a different perspective on life when you’re laying on the table and they’re telling you you’re having a heart attack and they got to go in and do a quick surgery,” Hill said after practice Tuesday. “But nothing will take away my passion for the game and my passion for my family. We’ve got to be smart and find that balance, and honestly, I don’t know exactly what that looks like.”

We’re used to seeing Hill coach the BYU defense from the sideline during games. But against SMU on Friday, Hill was up in the coaches booth, where it is quieter and a bit less stressful.

“So during practice, I’m up in my little tent booth up there, and want a headset so I can yell at the guys at the things I see,” Hill said. “So that’s a smidge different right now, which I don’t love, but it’s better for me. Then on game day, I’m in the box instead of down on the field, which keeps just things a little more mellow and calm.”

With a birds-eye view, Hill can see the game differently, and he likes it.

“I actually see a better up there,” Hill said. “It gives me a better perspective of what’s coming, the tempo of the offense and I see it better up there.”

Against SMU, the BYU defense never looked better, holding the high-powered Mustangs out of the end zone in an 18-15 victory as the Cougars improved to 2-0.

“Of course we miss him on the field, just because he brings a lot of energy to everybody and just keeps everyone hyped,” said defensive back Jakob Robinson, who had a key fourth quarter fumble recovery. “It’s definitely a little bit different up there, but I think the calls have been honestly a lot better.”

“It’s given us juice,” said linebacker Isaiah Glasker. “The defense, we we love Jay Hill. He’s everything to us for sure, and I know it’s inspired us a whole lot. I feel like these next few games, it’s just we’re playing for him.”

“I’m super proud of the players,” Hill said. “That was the best executed scheme I think we’ve had since I’ve been here. I’m also super proud of the assistant coaches. They’ve done a fantastic job.”

So while Hill is still getting better, the 49-year-old coach will remain cautious for a while.

“I sure hope I’m out of the woods right now,” Hill said. “I want to be back to normal as possible, and I’m going to grind and do everything I need to do to get these players right.”

BYU next plays at Wyoming Saturday night at 7:00 p.m.

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