Too good to be true, Clint Hurtt sticking around to coach the defensive line at the University of Louisville, staying here to resume recruiting duties when his show cause time is up next summer.
The big guy is leaving UofL to become defensive line coach for the Chicago Bears, an NFL team that needs help restoring the franchise’s legendary penchant for defense.
Such a likable person, endearing himself to local fans with his sense of humor and involvement in the community, a person Tom Jurich liked and respected so much that he kept Hurtt around despite his run-in with the NCAA Enforcement Committee.
Hurtt always had a commanding presence on the sidelines, personifying big time football.
Too bad for the Cardinals, a loss which will sting more than the departure of Charlie Strong for fans. With his defensive and recruiting acumen, Hurtt would have been the perfect complement to Bobby Petrino’s offensive mindset.
With him Hurtt takes all of those Miami connections, having persuaded almost two dozen players to play their college football in Louisville. Ironic, that he makes his announcement with the wind chill hovering around the minus-4-degree mark.
The last member of Strong’s staff to leave, Hurtt was a calming presence during the coaching transition, helping to provide some stability in the locker room. His sense of humor and intellect will be missed.
But he’s a football coach, and they tend move around.