Samford coach Sullivan has back surgery

Birmingham, AL – Samford football coach Pat Sullivan is recovering in a local hospital after having surgery on his back.

A cervical fusion was performed to reduce chronic back pain, the Southern Conference university announced Friday.

Sullivan, who missed time last season because of pneumonia, decided to have the surgery done in the summer so it would not interfere with spring recruiting or the upcoming season.

Sullivan, in his seventh season, has a 32-34 record at Samford.