Christopher Newport University

ZBIG KEPA returned to Christopher Newport University in 2022 as an assistant coach and will again be a part of Paul Crowley's staff as the Captains celebrate their 25th year of football action.

This is his second stint at CNU, after coaching the defensive line on Matt Kelchner's staff in 2013. CNU's defense led the USA South Conference in total defense (321.1 ypg) that season, as well as points per game allowed (12.7), and rushing defense (99.7). Since returning under Crowley, Kepa has worked primarily with CNU's Offensive Line, and with great success. In 2024, the Captains rushed for 180.1 yards per game, scored 30 rushing touchdowns, and averaged 36.9 points per game. In 2023, CNU rushed for 141.2 yards per game as the Captains won their first NJAC title and returned to the NCAA Tournament.

Prior to returning to Christopher Newport, Kepa had spent the previous three seasons coordinating the offense at Louisburg Junior College. Kepa also spent two seasons with the Frostburg State football program, working with both the wide receivers and quarterbacks. While in Frostburg, his quarterbacks completed nearly 64 percent of their passes and totaled 2,714 yards through the air with 28 touchdowns. Frostburg’s passing offense finished second in the NJAC in passing yards per contest (246.7) and 12th in the nation in passing yards per completion (15.78).
 
Kepa joined the Frostburg State staff after serving as the offensive coordinator at The Apprentice School from 2014-17, where his offense averaged over 300 yards per game in three of his four seasons.
 
Kepa’s impressive coaching career flourished at the College of William & Mary, starting in 1984 and continuing for 20 years as the Offensive Coordinator. W&M’s offense consistently averaged 400 yards and 30 points per game. Kepa’s 1996 offense led the Yankee Conference in total offense, while the 1993 unit finished sixth in the nation in total yards with the second-highest total in school history. During his time on the sideline, the Tribe made 10 trips to the NCAA I-AA Playoffs and advanced to the semifinals in both 2004 and 2009.
 
Kepa graduated from St. Joseph’s College (Ind.) with his bachelor’s degree in physical education and health in 1979. He earned his master’s degree from Purdue in 1981 in health, physical education, and recreation.