Clint Hurtt is heading to Mobile - and not just to scout. The Eagles’ defensive line coach has been tapped to serve as head coach of the National Team at this year’s Senior Bowl, a significant opportunity for both Hurtt and the Philadelphia organization.
Joining him on the opposite sideline will be Saints assistant Joel Thomas, who’ll lead the American Team. The game, set for January 31, is more than just an all-star showcase - it’s a pivotal week in the NFL Draft process.
For prospects, it’s a chance to prove themselves against top-tier competition. For coaches like Hurtt, it’s a platform to flex their leadership in a bigger spotlight.
“This is an opportunity for two excellent coaches... to take the reins as head coaches in leading their staffs and top football athletes in the Senior Bowl's week-long evaluation of NFL prospects,” said Troy Vincent, NFL executive VP of football operations, in the league’s announcement.
This marks the fourth year of the Senior Bowl’s “Coach Up” format - a structure designed to elevate NFL assistants into head coaching roles for the week. The goal?
Give rising coaching talents a shot to showcase their ability to lead, manage a full staff, and work directly with future NFL players. Coaches are nominated by their teams, and Hurtt and Thomas were selected from that pool.
For Hurtt, 47, it’s a well-earned opportunity. He’s been with the Eagles for the past two seasons, coming aboard when Vic Fangio took over the defense in 2024.
But his resume stretches well beyond Philly. Before joining the Eagles, Hurtt served as the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator from 2022 to 2023.
Prior to that, he worked under Fangio in Chicago and spent over a decade coaching at the college level, with stints at both Louisville and Miami - the latter also being his alma mater, where he played defensive line in the late '90s.
Hurtt’s coaching chops have earned him plenty of respect around the league, and he’s not the only Eagles assistant drawing attention. Defensive backs coach Christian Parker has been on the radar for coordinator roles in back-to-back offseasons - the Cowboys just submitted a request to interview him. With Fangio’s eventual retirement always looming in the background, both Parker and Hurtt are names to watch as potential successors.
Senior Bowl director Drew Fabianich made it clear he expects Hurtt to leave his mark on the event: “He is a highly regarded coach with a proven track record throughout his career. Clint will make a positive impact on his players and coaches during the week with his leadership and deep knowledge of the game. He will be a great mentor for the top prospects in the 2026 Draft.”
For the Eagles, the Senior Bowl has long been a critical part of their draft process. Having one of their own leading a team only deepens that connection. And for Hurtt, this week in Mobile is more than just another assignment - it’s a chance to show he’s ready for the next step.