The University of Houston has officially appointed Bennie Wylie as the new Director of Football Strength and Performance, following the untimely passing of Coach Kurt Hester.
Wylie, who recently resigned from his coaching position at Huntsville ISD effective January 1, brings a wealth of experience to the Coogs, having previously worked with the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Tech, among others. He is recognized as one of the premier strength and conditioning coaches in the nation.
During his tenure at Huntsville ISD, Coach Wylie concentrated on enhancing the strength and conditioning programs for student athletes, while also spearheading various health and wellness initiatives within the district.
Throughout his career, Wylie has trained an impressive 56 NFL draft picks, including six first-round selections, underscoring his expertise in developing athletic talent at the highest level.
This announcement comes approximately two and a half months after the passing of Kurt Hester in October 2025, who lost his battle with cancer at the age of 61. Just before his death, Hester had been featured on ESPN discussing his health struggles while continuing to support the Cougars.
Hester was diagnosed with melanoma in February 2025, and although his condition showed signs of improvement, he faced complications that led to his hospitalization shortly before a game against Arizona. The Cougars went on to win that game 24-16, dedicating the victory to their late coach with a heartfelt message: “That was for you, Coach.”
