Central Michigan football coach diagnosed with cancer

Published Jun. 18, 2015 11:40 a.m. ET

foxsports

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) Central Michigan football coach John Bonamego said Thursday that he has cancer and plans to continue working during treatment.

In a letter released by the school, Bonamego wrote that he has cancer in his left tonsil.

''It was discovered early and is very treatable,'' he wrote.

He says he will coach during his treatment but will attend fewer external events for a couple months. Central Michigan opens its season Sept. 3 against Oklahoma State.

''While a diagnosis like this is always scary, I am blessed to have the love and support of my family and those around me,'' Bonamego wrote. ''I know I will never be alone and for that I am very thankful.''

Bonamego became head coach in February at the school, where he played in the mid-1980s. He had been special teams coordinator for the Detroit Lions for the past two seasons.

''Certainly, we've been praying for him,'' Lions coach Jim Caldwell said.