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Who is Kurt Beathard? Here's why Internet supports Illinois football coach's resignation over BLM controversy

Beathard, a member of a celebrated NFL dynasty, left his position as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on September 23

Illinois State offensive coordinator Kurt Beathard abruptly resigned this week. Before the resignation, he cleared out his office and left a sign on his door that read “All Lives Matter to Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.”

Beathard, a member of a celebrated NFL dynasty, left his position as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the college team on Wednesday, September 23.

Three sources close to the football program told The Pantagraph that a 'Black Lives Matter' poster was taken down from the Illinois State locker room in the Kaufman Football Building recently. The sources reportedly asked not to be identified for fear of retribution from university officials. On Thursday, September 24, Beathard told The Pantagraph that he had put the sign on his door before his departure. “That locker room crap is wrong. I took the sign down somebody put on my door. That’s it,” Beathard said. “I didn’t take anything off that wasn’t put on my door. I wrote the message,” he said referencing the All Lives Matter sign he left on his way out.

At the end of August, this year, Beathard's former colleague Larry Lyons, director of athletics, caused controversy among Redbirds, the athletic teams that represent Illinois State University, by reportedly telling students: “All Redbird lives matter.”

Beathard, who lost his wife to cancer, a few months back, took to Facebook to share a message for his wife on September 11, where he said, “Tomorrow will be three months since I lost my best friend and love of my life. With all this crap the devil has stirred up in this world, think about and treasure what “really “ matters…Our God almighty and loved ones. Earnestly pray! I’m so jealous of all that have already gone “home” to be with Jesus. You’re smiling baby. I miss you so much! God is so good!”

The news of his resignation created quite a-buzz on the Internet as one Internet user speculated, “I'm sure BLM issues weren't the only factor in Coach's leaving. Losing his wife to cancer 3 mos ago = a significant life-changing event; the type that leads to re-evaluating life's priorities. Kudos to @KurtBeathard for proclaiming truth/keeping his faith.” Others supported his Christian beliefs and said, “@KurtBeathard Good for you and you staying true to your Christian Faith. I wish others would follow your example. When the time comes, I believe the Lord will say 'Well done good and faithful servant'!” While another  said, “@KurtBeathard Thank you so much for your 'All lives matter to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'...you nailed it ...Actually our Lord was nailed for it and gives us the strength to speak His Truth May he continue to equip you/your family to do His work.”

Who is Kurt Beathard?

Beathard has 12 years of experience as an FCS offensive co-ordinator. He has spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Illinois. His coaching career began when he was a student assistant at Towson in the spring of 1987, before he moved to Catholic University, Washington DC, for the 1988 campaign. He then spent two seasons on the Louisville staff as a graduate assistant from 1989-1990. According to the official website of YSU, he has also served time at James Madison, Bloomsburg, Colgate, University of the Pacific and a second stint at Towson. As the secondary coach for Towson in 1993, Beathard's unit led the nation in interceptions and was ranked 14th in total defense. He was inducted into the Towson Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999.

According to the official website of Illinois State Redbirds football, “aside from his extensive knowledge and experience, football runs in Beathard's genes. His father, Bobby, spent numerous years as the general manager of the Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers. He also served as a scout for the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons and director of player personnel for the Miami Dolphins during his 38 years in the NFL. The teams he worked for appeared in seven Super Bowls, winning four, and he is a contributor finalist for the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. His brother, Jeff, is a scout for the Carolina Panthers, and his nephew, CJ, was a former quarterback at Iowa and is a current member of the San Francisco 49ers.”