Former Ducks Strength Coach Aaron Feld Steps Down From Miami Hurricanes
Aaron Feld—best known for his energizing “Fill the Sleeves” mantra and iconic handlebar mustache—has announced his departure as the strength and conditioning coach for the Miami Hurricanes. Feld, who had previously served as Oregon’s strength coordinator under Mario Cristobal, joined the Hurricanes in 2022 when Cristobal made the move to Coral Gables. After three seasons with Miami, he is stepping away for deeply personal, family-centered reasons.
In a heartfelt Instagram announcement, Feld expressed profound gratitude to the University of Miami and its football program, stating:
> “Thank you to the University of Miami and the Hurricane football program for a great run! I have nothing but love and respect for this football team… At the end of the day, my wife and kids deserve more from me than my circumstances allowed, so the only course of action was to change my circumstances. Failing as a husband and a father will never be an option.”
He continued by reflecting on his time at Miami, saying, “Developing a world-class performance team at The U will always be a highlight of my career,” and assured fans the Hurricanes are in “extremely capable hands” . Across social media, players sent heartfelt responses—tight end Elijah Lofton even commented with a simple red heart—while fans offered praise, calling Feld “a true leader of men and women” and celebrating the resonance of his catchphrase “Fill the sleeves” .
Feld’s tenures at Oregon and Miami both mirrored Cristobal’s blue-collar, culture-first ethos. At Oregon, he earned notoriety for a viral 45-day arm challenge that energized the program, and in Miami, he reinforced that same mindset, helping shape the Hurricanes’ dedication to discipline, cohesion, and toughness .
From an organizational standpoint, Miami isn’t starting from scratch. Assistant strength coaches Nick Tulloch and Houston Owens—who had already been working under Feld—are prepared to absorb more responsibility. However, how Mario Cristobal chooses to restructure the strength and conditioning team remains an open question .
Ultimately, Feld’s exit is framed less as a professional decision than a deeply personal one—one anchored in his desire to rebalance his family and career priorities. It marks a poignant moment of transition for Miami’s football program: losing a beloved coach, but gaining clarity about the values of personal well-being and family commitment, even amid high-stakes collegiate athletics.
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This move is a reminder that even in elite sports, coaches aren’t immune to the responsibilities of life beyond the field—and Feld’s message resonates with many both within and beyond the Canes community.