Friends University

Paul Kempf is entering his third season at Friends University as the Defensive Coordinator and Linebacker coach. In his second season the Falcons saw huge improvements on defense. The 2023 Falcons ranked first in the nation in passing yards per game, giving up only 113 yards per contest. They were also tops in the conference and fifth in the nation in total yards per game, giving up only 258.4 per contest along with finishing third in the conference in points given up per game at 17.1 while scoring three defensive touchdowns on the season. The 2023 Falcons had seven All-KCAC players led by first- team CB Trey Palmer and second-team safety Nolan Ewing. 

Prior to Friends University Kempf was the Defensive Coordinator and Linebacker coach at Bethel College. During Kempf’s time at Bethel he coached 26 all-conference players and a two-time All-American. In 2020 Kempf was named the KCAC assistant coach of the year. During those 4 years the Threshers led the KCAC and the country in several defensive stats. Notably in 2021, rushing yards allowed per game (72.3), total sacks (34), and defensive touchdowns (5). In 2020 the Threshers had 36 sacks and created 24 turnovers.

From 2014 to 2017 Kempf was a special education teacher and the Defensive Coordinator at Wichita Heights High School. During his time there, Heights had one of the top defenses in the state.

In 2012 and 2013 Kempf was the Special Teams Coordinator and Linebacker coach at Sterling College. Kempf helped Sterling win the program’s first KCAC conference championship in the 2013 campaign. 

In 2010 and 2011 Kempf taught physical education and was the Defensive Coordinator at Fairfield High School in Langdon, Kansas.

A 2010 graduate of Sterling College, Kempf earned a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science and Physical Education and was a wide receiver from 2005-2009 under coach Andy Lambert.

Kempf and his wife live in Wichita with their two sons.