The Unseen Coach: 7 Essential Lessons Jalen Hurts' Dad, Averion Hurts, Taught The Eagles Star

The foundation of Jalen Hurts’ meteoric rise to NFL stardom—culminating in an MVP-caliber performance for the Philadelphia Eagles—was not built in Tuscaloosa or Norman, but in the unassuming halls of Channelview High School, Texas. As of December 2025, the story of Jalen's success remains inextricably linked to his father, Averion Hurts, who served as his high school head football coach and primary mentor. This unique father-coach relationship forged the unshakeable mindset and relentless work ethic that defines the Eagles' quarterback today, a bond rooted in a deep understanding of the game and the unyielding expectation of excellence.

The lessons Averion Hurts instilled in his son go far beyond football fundamentals, focusing instead on character, discipline, and accountability. Averion’s own journey, from a promising quarterback at Texas Southern University to a long-tenured high school coach, provided the perfect blueprint for teaching Jalen how to navigate adversity. The impact of this guiding force is a critical, yet often understated, part of Jalen Hurts' narrative, providing the bedrock for his composure under pressure and his consistent drive for improvement.

Averion Hurts Sr. Biography and Profile

Averion Hurts Sr. is more than just a supportive NFL father; he is a respected figure in Texas high school football and a former collegiate quarterback himself. His life has been dedicated to the game, first as a player and then as a coach, shaping not only his sons' careers but countless other young athletes.

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• Full Name: Averion Hurts Sr.
• Wife: Pamela Hurts (Jalen's mother, a vital figure in the family's support system)
• Children: Averion Hurts Jr. (Jalen's older brother, who also played quarterback at Channelview and is now a coach) and Jalen Hurts.
• Hometown: Channelview, Texas (East Harris County)
• High School: Channelview High School (Played football and baseball)
• College Playing Career: Quarterback at Kilgore College and Texas Southern University (TSU). His professional playing aspirations were cut short due to a knee injury.
• Current Profession: Head Football Coach at Channelview High School.
• Coaching Tenure: Has been the head coach at Channelview High School since 2006, a position he has held for nearly two decades.
• Notable Coaching Achievement: Coached both of his sons, Averion Jr. and Jalen, during their high school careers, guiding Jalen to become a four-star recruit and a top dual-threat quarterback.

The Coach-Father Dynamic: 7 Core Principles That Built an NFL Star

The relationship between Averion and Jalen was unique. At home, Averion was the father; on the field, he was "Coach Hurts." This separation of roles fostered a demanding yet loving environment where Jalen learned to treat his father's instruction with the same professional respect as any other coach. This dynamic instilled seven key principles that define Jalen's professional career with the Philadelphia Eagles.

1. The "Rent Is Due Every Day" Mantra

Perhaps the most famous piece of philosophy Jalen Hurts carries is the phrase, "Rent is due every day." This mantra, which Jalen frequently uses in media interviews, is a direct reflection of the relentless work ethic instilled by his father, Averion Hurts. The principle is simple: your past accomplishments don't excuse you from the work required today. Averion taught his son that success is not a destination but a daily commitment, and if you miss a payment, you fall behind. This mindset is what drives Jalen's constant pursuit of marginal gains, whether in the film room or the weight room.

2. Accountability Over Excuses

As a coach, Averion Hurts demanded total accountability. Jalen was expected to take ownership of his performance, good or bad, without making excuses. This lesson became critical during Jalen’s college career, particularly when he was benched at the University of Alabama during the College Football Playoff National Championship. Instead of transferring immediately, Jalen stayed, finished his degree, and continued to work, a decision that speaks volumes about the foundation of resilience his father built.

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3. The Quarterback's Unyielding Composure

Averion, a former quarterback himself, understood the mental toll of the position. He taught Jalen the importance of maintaining a level head and composure, regardless of the situation. This training is evident in Jalen's on-field demeanor with the Eagles. Whether he throws an interception or a game-winning touchdown, his expression rarely changes, allowing him to quickly move on to the next play. This emotional consistency is a hallmark of elite leadership.

4. The Importance of Dual-Threat Versatility

Coaching Jalen at Channelview High School, which competed in the highly competitive 6A Region III District 22, Averion saw firsthand the value of a mobile quarterback. He encouraged Jalen's dual-threat capabilities, refining his passing while embracing his elite running ability. This early development was crucial, as it prepared Jalen for the modern NFL game, where his running prowess is as dangerous as his arm. Averion's coaching methodology focused on maximizing Jalen's unique athletic gifts rather than forcing him into a rigid system.

5. The Value of Preparation and Film Study

Averion Hurts ran a disciplined program at Channelview, emphasizing preparation as the key to confidence. This focus on meticulous film study and practice routine is another trait Jalen carried to the University of Oklahoma and now to the Philadelphia Eagles. Jalen’s reputation for being one of the hardest workers in the NFL is a direct result of his father teaching him that preparation eliminates fear and maximizes performance.

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6. Navigating Adversity with a "Climb" Mentality

Jalen's journey has been marked by significant adversity, from his benching at Alabama to questions about his long-term viability as an NFL starter. Averion’s guidance taught Jalen to view every setback not as a failure, but as a mandatory step on the climb to the top. Jalen’s famous quote, "The only direction is to climb, and the only direction is to rise up," encapsulates this philosophy of perseverance. Averion’s reflection on his son’s MVP journey and Super Bowl appearance highlights the emotional culmination of this arduous, years-long climb.

7. The Power of Family and Support

Beyond the X's and O's, Averion and Pamela Hurts created a stable, loving environment that prioritized family above all else. This strong family unit, which includes his brother, Averion Jr., who is also in coaching, provided the emotional anchor for Jalen throughout his career. Averion Sr. often speaks about the pride of seeing his son succeed, but his focus remains on Jalen the man, not just Jalen the athlete. This grounding presence ensured that Jalen's identity was never solely tied to his football performance, fostering a healthy perspective that is rare in professional sports.

Averion's Own Football Journey: A Blueprint for Resilience

To truly understand the depth of Averion Hurts' influence, one must look at his own football journey. Averion was a talented quarterback at Channelview, continuing his career at Kilgore College before moving on to Texas Southern University (TSU). His time as a player, particularly the disappointment of a knee injury that derailed his professional aspirations, provided him with a unique perspective. This personal experience of facing and overcoming a career-altering setback allowed him to coach his sons not just on technique, but on the mental toughness required to handle the unpredictable nature of football.

Averion's long tenure at Channelview High School, dating back to 2006, is a testament to his dedication to the community and his passion for developing young men. He has created a legacy that extends far beyond his Super Bowl-bound son, establishing a program known for discipline and strong character. The fact that Jalen's brother, Averion Jr., has also entered the coaching profession further cements the family's deep, generational commitment to the sport and the values it teaches.

The Lasting Legacy on the Philadelphia Eagles QB

The impact of Averion Hurts on his son, the Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback, is profound and enduring. Every time Jalen Hurts displays his trademark composure, his relentless drive, or his ability to bounce back from a poor performance, he is embodying the lessons taught by his father and coach. The "Rent is Due" mentality ensures that Jalen is always focused on the present work, never resting on the laurels of his past achievements, such as his Pro Bowl selection or his Super Bowl LVII appearance. Averion Hurts is the quiet architect of Jalen's success, a man who built a champion through principles of accountability, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of hard work.