Pacific Lutheran University Athletics

Ketner Kupp joined the Pacific Lutheran University football staff prior to the 2021 season as a linebackers coach and was promoted to defensive coordinator after the 2023 season. 

Kupp's first season as the defensive coordinator saw the Lutes rank sixth nationally in rushing defense, surrendering just 57.6 rushing yards per game while sitting ninth nationally in sacks (3.4 per game). That success landed both Nico Golla and Kalen Davis-White All-Region honors from D3football.com. 
 
"I'm beyond excited to welcome Ketner to the coaching staff to coach our linebackers.  He is coming to us after a phenomenal playing career at one of the premier FCS football programs in the nation right here in Washington. I can't wait to see our young group of Linebackers develop and thrive behind his leadership," said Head Coach Brant McAdams.
 
Ketner joined the Lutes after serving as a defensive analyst for Division I FCS powerhouse Eastern Washington University during the 2020-2021 season. 
 
Prior to joining the EWU staff, Ketner had a stint with the National Football League's Los Angeles Rams as a linebacker, playing alongside his brother Cooper Kupp. 
 
Kupp was a three-year starter at Eastern Washington, serving as team captain for the 2015 FCS National Championship team and capping his career with 267 tackles. 
 
Kupp is no stranger to PLU with his father Craig and mother Karin both PLU Athletics Hall of Fame inductees. Craig played quarterback for the Lutes from 1987-1989 and was drafted in the fifth round by the New York Giants in the 1990 NFL Draft. Karin was a member of the women's soccer team from 1987-1990, collecting 27 career assists and helping the program win NAIA national titles in 1988 and 1989. Both were enshrined in the Lute Hall of Fame in 2003.
 
Kupp graduated from Eastern Washington in 2018 with a degree in business management.