Chris Hurd is entering his fourth year with the Illinois football team in 2026 and his first as special teams coordinator. He started as a special teams analyst in 2023 and worked up to senior special teams assistant in 2024 and 2025. His 19 years of coaching experience, including eight years specifically in special teams, has brought a wealth of knowledge to the program.
Under Hurd’s guidance, the Fighting Illini’s special teams units have shown impressive growth. In the 2024 and 2025 seasons, they ranked #16 and #30 in the nation for special teams efficiency, according to ESPN. Illinois has seen nine players receive All-Big Ten honors during Hurd’s tenure.
A standout during this period was punt returner Hank Beatty. In 2024, Beatty led the Big Ten and ranked fourth nationally with an average of 14.1 yards per punt return. He garnered All-Big Ten Third Team honors and was recognized as an All-America Honorable Mention. In 2025, he maintained his strong performance, finishing 16th in the nation with 213 punt return yards while averaging 16.4 yards per return.
In addition to Beatty, kicker David Olano and long snapper Lane Hansen both earned back-to-back All-Big Ten accolades in 2024 and 2025, showcasing a consistent level of excellence on the team. Overall, Illinois has now seen three consecutive seasons of All-Big Ten kickers and returners since Hurd joined.
In his debut season in 2023, Illinois’ special teams unit was ranked seventh in the nation by Pro Football Focus. They led the country with seven blocked kicks and punts, outpacing every other team significantly.
Before joining Illinois, Hurd was a special teams analyst at Arkansas in 2022. Previously, he served as a special teams coordinator at several colleges, including Akron and Chattanooga. His time with these teams yielded promising results, such as helping players like Brandon Dowdell shine in the Southern Conference. His first coordinator role was at Florida Atlantic, where he coached tight ends and saw tremendous growth from that unit.
Hurd’s coaching style is well-regarded in the field. Experts have noted how a strong special teams unit can be a game-changer. According to a recent NFL study, successful special teams play can influence a game’s outcome as much as offensive and defensive plays. This reinforces why coaches like Hurd are critical to a team’s overall success.
Interestingly, social media trends show increasing fan engagement with special teams plays. Highlights of field goals and punt returns often garner significant attention on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, leading to a growing appreciation for these crucial game elements.
Hurd, originally from Killeen, Texas, earned his degree in history from the University of North Texas. He was also a standout linebacker during his college years, contributing to three conference championships. Outside of football, Hurd enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, and their four children.
For more insights on how special teams impact games, check [this detailed NFL analysis](https://www.nfl.com/analysis/special-teams-impact-report).
