Eastern Washington University Athletics

Copp was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2022 after two years on staff coaching the defensive tackles, beginning with the abbreviated 2020-21 spring season. Before Eastern, he spent four seasons at Florida International University, including the final two as co-defensive coordinator.

Copp has coached two Eagle defensive linemen to four All-Big Sky honors during his tenure in Mitchell Johnson (First Team in 2020-21, Third Team in ’22) and Joshua Jerome (Honorable Mention in 2020-21, Third Team in ’22). Following the 2021 season, Jerome was named to the HERO Sports Sophomore All-America Defensive Team, and was named to the Phil Steele All-Big Sky fourth team along with Johnson.

During his tenure, Copp and the Eagles have garnered an overall record of 18-13 with a 13-9 mark in conference play, making two NCAA FCS Playoff appearances. In 31 games, Eastern has held 12 of its opponents to 23 points or less, including a 19-9 win over Northern Iowa in the 2021 FCS Playoffs first round (3 FGs).

Copp is a native of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and played college football at Boise State, earning All-Big West honors as a defensive end while helping the Broncos win two Humanitarian Bowls. His 20 years of coaching experience includes stints at Big Sky Conference members Northern Arizona (2016), UC Davis (2009-15) and Idaho State (2004). As a player and coach, he’s been on teams which have won three league titles and advanced to six bowl games.

At FIU under head coach Butch Davis, he coached safeties for two seasons before being promoted to co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. In 2020, the Panther defense ranked 17th overall in the nation for passing yards allowed per game (195.0) and 23rd in pass efficiency defense. Stantley Thomas-Oliver III was selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. In 2018, his safeties helped the Panthers rank second in C-USA and 11th nationally for total interceptions (17). They ranked 30th nationally in passing yards allowed per game (194.1)

Copp went to FIU after spending one season (2016) at Northern Arizona as the Lumberjacks’ special teams coordinator. He coached at UC Davis for seven seasons before NAU, first as a safeties coach before coaching the entire defensive backfield and special teams, then linebackers. UC Davis led all NCAA Div. I (FCS) teams in net punting (41.4 average) and kickoff returns (26.4 average) in 2012. Punter Colton Schmidt was named All-Big Sky 1st team after averaging 44.5 yards per attempt, 6th-best in the FCS, before becoming starting punter for the Buffalo Bills. Under Copp, linebacker Steven Pitts earned All-Big Sky honorable mention accolades in 2013 after posting 74 tackles, a team-high 11.5 TFLs and four sacks for 35 yards in losses. He repeated All-Big honors in 2014.

Copp earned his bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Boise State in 2001 then added a master’s degree in higher education at ASU in 2003.

Coaching Summary

• Eastern Washington (2020-present)
  • Defensive Coordinator, 2022-present
  • Defensive Tackles, 2020*-21 (two seasons including abbreviated spring season played in 2021)
     
• Florida International (2017-20; 4 seasons)
  • Co-Defensive Coordinator /  Linebackers, 2019-20
  • Safeties, 2017-18
     
• Northern Arizona (2016; 1 season)
  • Special Teams Coordinator
     
• UC Davis (2009-15; 7 seasons)
  • Linebackers, 2013-15
  • Defensive Backs / Special Teams, 2011-12
  • Safeties, 2009-10
     
• Utah State (2005-08; 4 seasons)
  • Safeties / Special Teams
     
• Idaho State (2004; 1 season)
  • Defensive Ends
     
• Arizona State (2001-03; 3 seasons)
  • Graduate Assistant

Playing Experience

• Boise State (1997-00)
  • Lettered three seasons (98, 99, 2000)
  • All-Big Sky 2000
  • Won two bowl games