Head coach Bob Spoo was moved to Sarah Bush Lincoln from Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis last week and is recovering from minor complications indirectly related to his August surgery, his family said.

The surgery was for medical reasons that have not been made public by the family.

Eastern would not give a timetable on his return to the sidelines.

Sports Information Director Rich Moser said depending on his rehabilitation, he could return as soon as next week or as late as the beginning of next season.

Defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni has been an assistant for Spoo since 2001 and has described him as a “father figure.”

He said Spoo is probably upset that he can’t be around so far because of the quality of team that the Panthers have this season.

“I’m sure he’s frustrated and I’m sure depressed because he can’t be around,” he said. “This is supposed to be our best year since I’ve been here.”

Spoo was heading into his 20th season.

In his absence, Mark Hutson has served as the team’s acting head coach.

“We certainly are looking forward to his return and his return soon,” Hutson said.

The Panthers are 2-3 this season following last week’s 44-9 loss to Hawaii.

When Spoo originally went in for surgery, the Panthers estimated he would need four to six weeks to recover.

The game against Southeast Missouri on Saturday at O’Brien Stadium marks the sixth week that Spoo will miss.

Hutson said sometimes it is strange to not have Spoo with them at the games.

“There was a lost feeling and there still is,” he said.

Bellantoni said Spoo has been missed on and off the field.

“There is no presence of a head coach and I feel it’s hurt us at times,” he said. “I’m still down. I miss seeing the guy. I really miss having him around the office.”