The Houston Cougars pulled off a 24-16 win over the Arizona State Cardinals on Saturday. The win ensured a 7-1 record for the Cougars as they improved to 4-1 in Big-12 play.
However, the celebration was muted for Cougar fans following the death of the team’s director of strength and performance, Kurt Hester, at age 61.
How Did Fans React to Houston Great Kurt Hester’s Death?
Hester passed away following a battle with stage IV melanoma. He had been diagnosed with the disease in February and was given a life expectancy of four to six weeks.
Hester was hospitalized due to an infection before Houston’s game against Arizona, and his passing occurred just hours before the Cougars’ victory on Saturday.
Houston football shared a touching tribute post in his honor.
“That was for you, Coach. We are saddened by Kurt Hester’s passing away earlier today. He inspired us every day to be unbreakable,” the Houston social handle tweeted.
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
Fans also flooded the comments with emotional tributes.
“Rest in peace Coach. A great man was lost on this planet but his soul will speak forever through the lives he touched. May his close ones find the peace and comfort they deserve,” a fan said.
“Prayers of strength and comfort to his family, friends, and the Cougar family,” one added.
“Death always wins, but he gave em hell till the end. Rest well, coach. You’ve earned it,” one fan said.
Houston head coach Willie Fritz shared that Hester visited the football facility one final time on Thursday to speak to the team. His dedication to the team amid the physical battle earned him high praise from many fans.
“The strongest man I knew, inside and out. #unbreakable,” one said.
“Wow very sorry to hear this! We love you Kurt and what you did for the profession! RIP,” a person said.
Hester had joined Houston for the second time in January 2024 after spending two seasons in the same role at Tulane. His passing was confirmed after the program’s win, as Fritz offered an emotional statement.
“Kurt showed his unbreakable spirit every day,” Fritz said. “He had a tremendously positive influence on every single person in our program and on this program as a whole.
“Kurt was fortunate enough to love what he did for a living and had an unbelievable impact on so many people across so many programs. Kurt had his family, faith and football and that’s what he cared about.”
Last week, Hester had been nominated for the 2025 Capital One Orange Bowl FWAA Courage Award. Cougars tight end Tanner Koziol also shared his admiration for the late coach.
“He stared death in the face and didn’t blink,” Koziol said. “He was truly unbreakable. He defined that word by living it. He’s such a man of faith.”
Houston is now preparing for next weekend’s game against West Virginia. The Cougars are ranked No. 24, according to the PFSN CFB Playoff Meter.
