LAKE FOREST, IL – The Chicago Bears have reached an agreement with Clint Hurtt making him their assistant defensive line coach and have notified assistant defensive line coach Michael Sinclair that he will not be returning for the 2014 season.
Hurtt has 13 years of collegiate coaching experience, including the last four as Louisville’s defensive line coach/recruiting coordinator. In 2013, Louisville’s defense was tops in the nation in sacks (3.31 per game; 43 sacks in 13 games), total defense (251.5 yards per game), rushing defense (80.7 ypg), second in scoring defense (12.2 points per game), fifth in passing defense (170.8 yards per game) and sixth in tackles for losses with 7.8 per game (102 TFLs). Under Hurtt’s tutelage in 2013, senior Marcus Smith led the nation in sacks (1.12 per game; 14.5 sacks) and junior Lorenzo Mauldin was tied for 25th with .73 sacks per game (9.5). Hurtt also worked with current Seahawks DE Greg Scruggs during his time with the Cardinals.
Hurtt came to Louisville from Miami (Fla.), his alma mater, where he worked as the team’s defensive line coach from 2006-09, adding the title of recruiting coordinator in 2007. It was his second stint at his alma mater after beginning his coaching career as a volunteer strength and conditioning coach from 2001-02 before working as a graduate assistant with the Hurricanes from 2003-04. During his time in Miami, Hurtt worked with Cardinals DE Calais Campbell and Chiefs DE Allen Bailey.
In between stints at Miami, Hurtt spent the 2005 season at Florida International University as the Golden Panthers defensive line coach. During the 2005 season, Hurtt helped move Antwan Barnes from linebacker to defensive end and finish the year with 9.5 sacks. Barnes would go on to be the first FIU player ever selected in the NFL Draft.
Hurtt was a three-year letterman at Miami (1997, 1999-2000) before his career ended prior to the 2001 season due to injury.
