If you want to understand exactly how good Clint Hurtt is at coaching defensive linemen, simply take the incredible case of Milton Williams and what happened to him playing for Hurtt on the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.
In one season under Hurtt’s tutelage, Williams went from an afterthought behind first round picks Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis the previous 2 sesons to an absolute firestarter in the trenches — and a player who seemed dominant in the Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
That meant big money for Williams, who cashed in with a 4-year, $104 million free agent contract from the New England Patriots, who he’s helped lead to the AFC Championship Game.
NFL teams love winners. NFL players love coaches who get them paid. Hurtt checks both of those boxes and appears ready to make the move back to being an NFL defensive coordinator after 2 years coaching Philadelphia’s defensive line.
“The Dolphins interviewed Eagles defensive line coach Clint Hurtt for their defensive coordinator opening, per sources,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote on X on Saturday. “Hurtt, a former Miami Hurricanes defensive tackle, coordinated Seattle’s defense from 2022-23 before joining Philly’s staff.”
The Miami Dolphins are trying to fill out their staff after hiring Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has their new head coach on January 19.
Hurt Could Teach Master Class in Coaching DL
Hurtt, a Rochester, New York, native, has spent 20-plus years learning the ins and outs of coaching defense following his time playing defensive line for the University of Miami in the late 1990s.
Hurtt spent a decade as a college defensive assistant at The U, FIU and Louisville before making the leap to the NFL ranks in 2014 with the Chicago Bears, where he worked for current Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. He coached under Pete Carroll for 7 seasons in Seattle, including the final 2 seasons in 2022 and 2023 as defensive coordinator.
From Eagles.com: “In his first year with the Eagles in 2024, Hurtt tutored a young stable of interior defensive linemen that helped anchor the No. 1 total defense (278.4 ypg) in the NFL and played a crucial role in Philadelphia winning the Super Bowl LIX Championship. Additionally, the Eagles’ group of defensive tackles led the league in both pass-rush grade (89.2) and pass-rush win rate (27.7 pct.) in the regular season, according to Pro Football Focus.”
Hurtt is one of several key defensive assistants for the Eagles headed elsewhere in 2026. Defensive backs coach Christian Parker, 34 years old, is set to become the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.
Dolphins Need Help in the Worst Way
Before Hurtt ends up with the Dolphins or anyone else, he’ll get a look at scouting some of the NFL draft’s top defensive prospects as head coach for the National Team in the Senior Bowl on January 31.
After the Dolphins missed the playoffs each of the last 2 seasons, Hurtt seems like a perfect fit to take over as defensive coordinator for one very specific reason.
Miami has used its first round pick the last 2 seasons on its front 7, with edge rusher Chop Robinson in 2024 and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant in 2025. Both seem like they could become Pro Bowlers with the right guidance.
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