Ryan Kurtz

Bio

Ryan Kurtz returned to Bullitt East in 2024 and currently serves as the Chargers’ Defensive Backs Coach. A Bullitt East alumnus, Kurtz played linebacker for the Chargers and was one of the leaders of the Bullitt East defense during his senior season. He now continues his connection to the program by helping develop the next generation of Charger defensive players.

Kurtz began his coaching career at his alma mater under Head Coach Mike Settles and remained on the Bullitt East staff under Head Coach Darrell Vincent. During that time, he coached alongside fellow Bullitt East alumnus and former teammate Kenny Thornsberry, beginning a coaching relationship that would continue at their next stop.

Kurtz later joined Thornsberry at Nelson County High School, serving on his staff for one season. That experience added another stop to Kurtz’s coaching background before he eventually made his way to Holy Cross High School in Louisville.

Kurtz spent several seasons at Holy Cross as a member of Head Coach Eric Dick’s staff. During that stretch, the Cougars developed into one of the stronger Class A programs in Kentucky. Holy Cross won 26 games over Dick’s first three seasons and captured a regional championship in 2022, advancing to the Class A state semifinals with a 10-4 record.

In 2024, Kurtz returned to Bullitt East and took over the defensive backs. In his first season back with the Chargers, Bullitt East allowed just 18.8 points per game while the secondary helped produce seven interceptions. Senior Jacob Clancy led the group with four interceptions, and the Chargers again finished among the top scoring defenses in Class 6A.

The secondary continued its development in 2025 as Bullitt East finished 7-5 and advanced to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs. The Chargers allowed only 106 passing yards per game, ranking eighth in Class 6A in pass defense.

Kurtz brings experience from multiple programs and levels of high school football to the Bullitt East secondary. After beginning his coaching career with the Chargers, gaining experience at Nelson County and spending several successful seasons at Holy Cross, his return to Bullitt East represents another former Charger investing his experience back into the program that helped shape him.