Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak returned to work this week, and expects to coach the team when they face off against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

Kubiak collapsed around halftime of the November 3rd Texans vs. Colts game. Tests revealed that 52 year-old Kubiak had suffered a transient ischemic attack, often referred to as a TIA or mini stroke.

A TIA occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel for a short time, causing lack of blood and oxygen to the brain. This can cause stroke-like symptoms that last less than 24 hours, often disappearing within a matter of minutes. Doctors warn that TIAs should be taken seriously despite the fact that they typically don’t cause permanent damage. About 15 percent of TIAs are followed by a major stroke within three months.

After a two night hospital stay, Kubiak was sent home with instructions to get plenty of rest. Following doctor’s orders was difficult for the workaholic coach.

Of his absence from last Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, Kubiak said it was “Just hard to watch. Just was hard to sit there and watch a football game when you’ve been there the whole time for the last 30 years.” He admitted to not having watched much of the game, which ended in a 27-24 loss for the Texans, bringing their losing streak to a total of seven games.

But Kubiak returned to work this week under doctor’s orders to reduce his work hours, at least for the time being. Kubiak says he’s listening to his doctors and is just happy to be back.

”It just feels great to be back,” he said. ”You have a true appreciation for the opportunity that you have and the opportunity to be around the players … and the chance to do my job again.”

When asked if he planned to be on the sidelines when the Texans face off against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday afternoon, Kubiak said “If everything goes well this week, yes I will. I feel great today. I don’t foresee any reason why I won’t be doing it.”

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