The Senior Bowl has long been a proving ground-not just for NFL prospects, but for coaches looking to make a mark. This year, a familiar face to Seahawks fans will be leading the charge for the National Team in Mobile, Alabama: Clint Hurtt.
Hurtt, now with the Philadelphia Eagles as a senior defensive assistant and defensive line coach, has been named the head coach of the National Team for the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl. The game kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 11:30 a.m. PT and will be broadcast on NFL Network.
For those who followed the Seahawks closely over the last decade, Hurtt’s name carries weight. He was part of Pete Carroll’s staff from 2017 through 2023, first as the assistant head coach and D-line coach, then as defensive coordinator for two seasons.
While his time as DC came to an end when Mike Macdonald took over the reins in Seattle, Hurtt didn’t stay on the sidelines for long. He landed in Philadelphia and helped the Eagles capture a Super Bowl title in 2024.
Now, he gets a unique opportunity: a one-week head coaching gig at the nation’s premier college football all-star game. And make no mistake-this isn’t just a ceremonial role.
The Senior Bowl is where coaches get hands-on with some of the top draft-eligible talent in the country. It’s a chance to teach, evaluate, and maybe even influence a few draft boards along the way.
“Clint will make a positive impact on his players and coaches during the week with his leadership and deep knowledge of the game,” said Drew Fabianich, the Senior Bowl’s executive director. “He’ll be a great mentor for the top prospects in the 2026 Draft.”
On the other sideline, the American Team will be led by Joel Thomas, the current running backs coach for the New Orleans Saints. Thomas also brings some local ties to the table-he previously coached the RBs at the University of Washington under Steve Sarkisian, so there’s a bit of a Pacific Northwest flavor on both benches.
For Hurtt, this role is another step in a coaching journey that’s already seen plenty of twists and turns. From building defensive fronts in Seattle to hoisting a Lombardi Trophy in Philly, he’s carved out a reputation as a sharp defensive mind and strong leader. The Senior Bowl gives him a national spotlight to showcase those qualities once again-this time as the man in charge.
And for the prospects taking the field in Mobile, having someone with Hurtt’s experience on the sideline is a real asset. He’s coached in big games, developed talent at the highest level, and knows what it takes to succeed in the NFL trenches. That kind of insight is invaluable during a week where every rep, every meeting, and every impression counts.
So while the main event may be a one-day exhibition, the implications stretch far beyond the scoreboard. For Clint Hurtt, it’s a chance to lead.
For the players, it’s a chance to learn. And for NFL teams watching closely-perhaps even the Seahawks-it’s another critical step on the road to the 2026 Draft.