WACO, Texas -- Baylor athletics director Tom Stanton's heart condition has improved and he could be released from the hospital by the end of the week.

Stanton has been in the hospital since Monday, a day after firing football coach Kevin Steele, because of a preexisting atrial flutter.

Doctors decided against surgery and are treating the 51-year-old Stanton with blood thinners. It is expected to take two or three days to regulate the blood thinners.

"I appreciate all the cards, flowers and phone calls I've received," Stanton said in a statement from the school. "The doctors are taking good care of me and have allowed me to do as much work as possible, such as returning phone calls and checking my mail from here in the hospital."