University of Houston Athletics Kurt Hester, 61, Passed Away From Cancer, Leaving His Wife of 37 Years

Kurt Hester, Head of Football Sport Preparation at the University of Houston Athletics, passed away at the age of 61 on Saturday from cancer.

His wife, Seana Durman, and three children, Sydney, Rieleah, and Remy, survive him.

That was for you, Coach.

We are saddened by Kurt Hester’s passing away earlier today. He inspired us every day to be unbreakable. pic.twitter.com/reJvl4fqba

— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) October 26, 2025

Kurt Hester was a highly respected strength and conditioning coach who made a significant impact on multiple college football programs.

He was the Head of Football Sport Preparation at the University of Houston Athletics and the Director of Football Preparation & Sport Science at Tulane Football.

Similarly, he was known for his successful nine-year tenure at Louisiana Tech University. He was a key part of a period of great success as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach.

During his time there, the Bulldogs made seven consecutive bowl appearances and achieved an impressive six straight bowl victories from 2014 to 2019.

He played a crucial role in developing top-tier talent at LA Tech. He worked with 14 players who were later drafted into the NFL and helped create 57 All-Conference selections.

Hester gained early experience as an assistant strength coach at LSU, where he worked with baseball teams that won national championships.

Before his long stint at Louisiana Tech, he served as a National Director of Training for D1 Sports Training, working with professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and more.

Kurt Hester’s Family Mourns the Tragic Loss

Kurt Hester, the son of Lindel Hester and Dianne Martin, was born on October 28, 1863, in Houma, Louisiana.

He passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 61.

Kurt built a legendary career in strength and conditioning, but his proudest accomplishment was the family he built with his wife, Seana Durman Hester.

He married the love of his life, Seana Durman, on October 14, 1988, and they shared 37 wonderful years. He was a devoted family man, and his proudest accomplishment was the children he and Seana raised together.

Kurt and Seana were each other’s whole world, raising three children and sharing their love and life’s journey openly.

Seana Durman Hester is originally from Cincinnati and lives in Mandeville, Louisiana. She graduated from Ponchatoula High School and attended Southeastern Louisiana University.

She is a former registered nurse at St. Tammany Parish Hospital and joined St. Tammany Health System.

Sadly, Kurt Hester was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma in February. He faced his illness with the same strength and determination he instilled in every athlete he coached.

His passing came just hours before the Houston Cougars secured a 24-16 victory over No. 24 Arizona State.

Kurt is survived by his loving wife, Seana; his cherished children, Sydney, Rieleah, and Remy; his adored grandchildren, Elliott, Jaymes, Noa, and Riggs; his brother, Terry Hester; his sister, Dina Beard; loving nephews; and a vast extended family of players.

The Hester family will hold Kurt’s celebration of life on November 11, 2025.

Hester was a mentor, a leader, and a positive force who shaped the character of countless young men. His impact on the University of Houston and the sport of football will be felt for years to come.

Rest In Peace, Kurt Hester.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Kurt Hester graduated from Tulane University with a degree in exercise physiology and served as a graduate strength coach at Tulane for two years.
• He holds a certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength & Conditioning Association.
• He owned his own athletic performance center and served as the Director of Training at the prestigious Manning Passing Academy.