TACOMA, Wash. — After five seasons in Luteville, Pacific Lutheran University Defensive Coordinator Ketner Kupp will be making the leap to the National Football League after accepting a position on staff with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Kupp joins the Raiders as the defensive quality control coach where he will assist first-year Head Coach Klint Kubiak rebuild a franchise that finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record. 
 
Kubiak is no stranger to Lute coaches, serving as the offensive coordinator with the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks this past season where he coached alongside offensive assistant Michael Byrne '09. Byrne was a quarterback for the Lutes (2007-2008), before coaching for four seasons at his alma mater (2009, 2019-2021).
 
"Having Coach Ketner on our staff has been a tremendous gift to this program. He didn't wait to reach the NFL to coach at an NFL standard; he brought that mindset here every day. The way he honored what was built before him, developed our players, and unified our team speaks to his character as much as his football acumen," said Head Coach Brant McAdams.
 
"This opportunity with the Raiders is well earned and it's a reflection of the kind of people our program strives to develop. We're proud of him and grateful for the impact he's had on our players and our culture."
 
Kupp began his tenure at PLU as the linebackers coach in 2021 before being elevated to the defensive coordinator in 2023. Under his direction, the Lutes ranked sixth nationally in rushing defense during the 2024 campaign, allowing just 57.6 rushing yards per game while raking ninth nationally in sacks. His stout defensive unit helped the Lutes place second in the NWC standings in 2022 and finish third the past three seasons. 
 
Kupp becomes the latest Lute to make the leap to the NFL with a former Lute staffer coaching in the Super Bowl in four of the last five seasons and five times over the past nine seasons. In addition to Byrne, Ken Flajole '77 made four trips to the Super Bowl, winning titles with both the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.