By AP/KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – St. Louis Rams coach Mike Martz's health is taking an indefinite leave of absence because of ill health.
The announcement came five days after the 54-year-old Martz announced he was being examined for a bacterial infection of the lining of the heart or a heart valve.
Rams president John Shaw said in a statement today that Martz was going on leave and would be admitted to a hospital.
Shaw says due to Martz's condition, he will be unable to perform as head coach for an indefinite period of time.
The Rams said assistant head coach Joe Vitt will lead the team in Martz's absence.