HAMMOND â€" Southeastern Louisiana University Head Football Coach and Interim Athletic Director Dennis Roland remains in Emory University Medical Center in Atlanta where a preliminary diagnosis indicates his non-Hodgkins lymphoma has returned.

Roland, now in his second year as head coach, was treated last year for the cancer, which went into remission. This year he contracted an infection requiring hospitalization and keeping him from resuming his coaching duties.

Physicians at Emory are continuing to treat the infection and are determining an appropriate treatment regimen for his cancer.

“Coach Roland and his family remain in our thoughts and prayers as they deal with this illness,” said Southeastern President Randy Moffett. “We are confident in his recovery and look forward to his return to Southeastern.”

While Roland is on medical leave, Michael Lucas, who served as the Lion’s assistant coach and defensive coordinator, is serving as interim head football coach while Senior Associate Athletic Director Kim Graham serves as primary administrator of the Athletic Department.