Lou Hernandez Position: Strength & Conditioning Coach Experience: Fourth Season--2008

Lou Hernandez begins his fourth year on the Illinois coaching staff as the head football strength and conditioning coach, marking the sixth year of his partnership with head coach Ron Zook. Hernandez coordinates the entire strength program for the football team as well as assisting with nutritional aspects of the players' diets.

Hernandez worked for three seasons at the University of Florida as the assistant director of strength and conditioning from 2002-04. He moved to Florida after serving on the New York Jets staff. Prior to his one-year stint with the Jets, Hernandez spent 10 years at the University of Houston, including five years as the director of the program.

A native of Alice, Texas, Hernandez earned his bacehlor's degree in exercise science from the University of Houston in 1992 and his master's degree in exercise and health-related fitness from Houston in 1994. Hernandez is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

(updated 5/08)