Ed Cooley underwent a two-hour surgery on his back Monday for a herniated disc, the Providence coach told CBS Sports on Tuesday.
Cooley has been plagued by back pain for much of this year. His recovery and rehab time is expected to last a couple of months, but Cooley anticipates being on the sidelines in time for Providence's season-opener on Nov. 14 vs. Vermont.
Cooley's health has improved significantly in recent years. In 2013 he lost more than 100 pounds and has maintained a slimmer figure and healthy lifestyle since. Until the back issue became so severe, he ran on the treadmill every single day.
Providence has become a force in the Big East in recent years under his guidance. The Friars, who had 2016's No. 5 overall NBA draft pick in point guard Kris Dunn, have made three consecutive NCAA tournaments. A native of Providence, Cooley will turn 47 in September.
