Clint Hurtt Leaves Louisville

Mark BlankenbakerJanuary 23, 2014

Clint Hurtt is no longer with the University of Louisville Football program. Hurtt is joining the staff with the Chicago Bears.

We will update any other details.

Hurtt was ESPN’s Recruiter of the Year for the 2011 Signing Class (February). Hurtt was implicated in a recruiting Scandal involving his time at the University of Miami in August of 2011 and was pulled off the recruiting trail. This Fall, the NCAA handed down a ‘show cause’ penalty on Coach Hurtt.

From UofL:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville football’s defensive line coach Clint Hurtt has left the Cardinals for a position in the National Football League.

“I want to thank Tom Jurich, Bobby Petrino, and President James Ramsey for their support during this process,” Hurtt said. “I truly looked forward to working with Bobby Petrino at Louisville, but I feel this is a great opportunity. Tom is always going to be important to me and my family. He stuck with me through the toughest of times, and I will always appreciate his support for me and my family.

“I will always love the University of Louisville and will always miss the city and be grateful for the opportunity to coach here. My ambition is to build a career in the NFL. I made a mark in recruiting and coaching at the collegiate level, but I think I can improve my career and begin a new one in the NFL.”

Hurtt was retained by head coach Bobby Petrino when he took over the program in January. Hurtt was instrumental in the development of the defensive line, including senior Marcus Smith, who led the nation this season in sacks with 14.5 and was a first team All-American.

“We wish Clint nothing but the best,” Petrino said. “He is a very good young coach and I am sure he will continue to do great things in the NFL.”

A graduate of Miami, Hurtt came to Louisville after five years as an assistant coach for the Hurricanes. A dynamic recruiter, Hurtt signed the top recruiting class in the nation in 2008, and the top classes in the ACC in 2008-09. His 2009 class was ranked in the top 10 nationally as six signees were ranked in the ESPN.com 150.

Before coming to Miami, Hurtt spent one season at FIU as the defensive line coach.

As a player, Hurtt was a three-year letterwinner for the Hurricanes. He played extensively as a freshman before injuries slowed his playing career.