Kurt Roper is back in the Triangle, this time as the offensive coordinator for the NC State Wolfpack. Roper, a name familiar to many in the area due to his previous tenure at Duke, takes over the role following a change in leadership after the firing of former offensive coordinator Robert Anae. Roper’s hiring marks a significant shift for the Wolfpack, who are looking for a fresh approach on the offensive side of the ball after a disappointing campaign in which they finished 63rd in scoring offense and 76th in total offense.
Roper’s promotion to offensive coordinator at NC State comes after five seasons with the program, where he contributed significantly to the development of the offense but was not at the helm. He now inherits a unit that has struggled to meet expectations, especially after entering the season with high hopes. The Wolfpack’s offense averaged just 28.5 points per game and 377.8 total yards per game during the 2023 season, numbers that were below what many expected from the program given the returning talent and a strong offensive line.
Before joining NC State, Roper was a key figure in Duke football under David Cutcliffe, where he served as the offensive coordinator from 2008 to 2013. His tenure at Duke was marked by one of the most successful stretches in the program’s history, culminating in the Blue Devils’ first 10-win season. Duke’s offense saw substantial improvement during his time, including an impressive 32.8 points per game in his final season, which was one of the highest outputs in school history. This period also saw Duke’s offense reach 426.1 yards per game, a considerable achievement for a program that had traditionally been near the bottom of the ACC standings.
Roper’s ability to work with multiple quarterbacks was one of his defining characteristics at Duke. He helped orchestrate the careers of Thaddeus Lewis and Sean Renfree, two of the program’s all-time best quarterbacks. Under his guidance, Lewis threw for 3,330 yards in his senior year, while Renfree surpassed the 3,000-yard passing mark twice in his career. Three of the top four single-season passing yardage totals in Duke football history came during Roper’s tenure, showcasing his ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks, regardless of the system or the challenges they faced.
In addition to his work with quarterbacks, Roper was known for crafting high-octane offenses that were both versatile and efficient. His success at Duke, where he helped turn the Blue Devils into consistent contenders in the ACC, made him a highly regarded coach in the football community. His work during the 2013 season, where Duke posted back-to-back 31+ point-per-game seasons, solidified his reputation as a capable offensive coordinator. However, after leaving Duke in 2014, Roper’s career took him to several other high-profile programs, where he continued to refine his craft.
In 2014, Roper spent a single season with the Florida Gators under head coach Will Muschamp, working as the offensive coordinator. Though the Gators’ offense didn’t achieve significant success that year, it provided Roper with experience in the SEC, a conference known for its defensive prowess. This experience would prove valuable in later years, as Roper continued to build his resume in various roles, including a brief stint as interim head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes in 2018.
Roper’s time in Colorado was brief but significant, as he took over the reins of the program for the final game of the 2018 season. Though the Buffaloes didn’t finish the season on a high note, the experience added another layer to Roper’s understanding of the game and leadership, further shaping his approach as a coach.
By the time Roper arrived in Raleigh as part of NC State’s staff, he had accumulated a wealth of knowledge and a strong reputation for developing quarterbacks. His role at NC State, however, had been more about building the offensive foundation rather than overseeing the entire system. Now that he has been promoted to offensive coordinator, Roper is expected to take the reins and implement the kind of offensive philosophy he cultivated at Duke. The Wolfpack will need to make significant strides if they are to meet the expectations that were set for them in 2023.
Roper’s offensive philosophy centers on balance, mixing both the pass and run effectively to create opportunities down the field. At Duke, he was known for his ability to blend the passing attack with a solid ground game, something that NC State will look to incorporate into their offense. Roper will need to maximize the talent on the roster, including quarterback Brennan Armstrong, a transfer from Virginia who has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to find consistency. In addition, the Wolfpack boasts several talented skill players, including running back Michael Allen and wide receiver Keyon Lesane, who will be crucial to Roper’s success as he installs his system.
The hiring of Roper is a vote of confidence from the NC State athletic department in his ability to turn the program’s offense around. With his experience as a coordinator and his history of success at Duke, Roper will be expected to get the most out of an offense that was inconsistent in 2023. The promotion is also a reminder of how important continuity can be in college football. Roper’s familiarity with the ACC, his knowledge of how to succeed in the Triangle, and his experience working with talented quarterbacks make him an ideal fit to take over the offensive reins at NC State.
Moving forward, the success of Roper’s tenure as offensive coordinator will largely depend on his ability to build on the existing talent at NC State and find the right balance between the passing and running games. His time at Duke demonstrated his ability to adapt to different situations and get the best out of his players, whether it was helping Thaddeus Lewis or Sean Renfree put up record-breaking numbers or finding success despite inconsistent quarterback play. The Wolfpack will be hoping that Roper can bring that same level of success to their program.
In conclusion, Kurt Roper’s return to the Triangle as NC State’s offensive coordinator is a significant move for both the coach and the program. With a history of success at Duke, Roper’s hiring represents a fresh start for the Wolfpack, who are in need of an offensive overhaul after a disappointing season. With his experience, knowledge of the ACC, and proven track record of success, Roper has the tools necessary to help NC State achieve its offensive potential and build a high-powered unit capable of competing with the top teams in the conference.
