ELF: Helvetic Guards sign veteran NFL coach and Strength and Conditioning Hall of Famer Bert Hill to coach Dline
The Helvetic Guards and head coach Norm Chow continue to add to an already impressive coaching lineup with the addition of former NFL and major college coach Bert Hill to the defensive coaching staff as defensive line coach.
In joining the Guards, the 64 year old native of Montgomery, Alabama brings a rare background and resume to an already imposing coaching staff. After gaining an excellent reputation in the college ranks as the head strength and conditioning coach at Texas A&M from 1983 to 1987, where his teams compiled a 35-12 record and won three consecutive Southwest Conference titles and a year at Ohio State, he advanced to the NFL to become head strength and conditioning coach for the Detroit Lions under Wayne Fontes and had the opportunity to coach All-Pro running back Barry Sanders. Following his 11 seasons with Detroit and a brief stint outside of football, he returned to the NFL for two seasons with the Miami Dolphins under Nick Saban, before joining Southern Methodist University as a defensive line coach under June Jones for seven years. From 2007 to 2013 he helped the Mustangs gain four consecutive bowl appearances and assisted numerous of his athletes win awards and qualify for the NFL draft. In subsequent years Bert has employed the coaching expertise acquired in high-profile programs to benefit players at Centennial High School in Garland, Texas, West Texas A&M in Canyon, and the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.
Hill’s accomplishments have also been recognized outside of the football field as he was elected to the USA Coaches Strength and Conditioning Hall of Fame in 2003.
Helvetic Guards Athletic Director Hammer:
“I believe Coach Bert Hill is going to be instrumental to the success of the Helvetic Guards. Not only does he bring a lifetime of NFL & NCAA coaching experience to the Guards Defensive Line, where some of Switzerland best talents play, but he also brings his “Hall of Fame” status as a Strength & Conditioning Coach, which is an additional tool to help his unit and our whole team extend their physical capabilities and get to the next level!”
Former Detroit Lions defensive coach Don Clemons:
“Bert is one of the most knowledgeable coaches I have ever met. Such a wide background as a pass rush specialist and also someone who has a firm grip on teaching fundamentals.” “If you ever want to find a defensive coach to complete a staff … Bert Hill is the guy … he can coach the three man front or an even front. Pass rush or stopping the run. Bert can do it all.”
