Chris Kuper, who played offensive guard for the Broncos for eight seasons (2006-13), spent the past three years on Miami’s coaching staff (asst. OL—2017-18; Quality Control—2016).
Miami’s rushing attacked improved by nearly 25 yards per game (108.6) from 2017-2018 as the Dolphins’ offense experienced the NFL’s largest increase in rushing yards before contact (+468 yds.) in Kuper’s second year assisting the offensive line. Third-year left tackle Laremy Tunsil also showed improvement in his second season working with Kuper, allowing just one sack in 2018 after being credited with six in 2017, according to STATS LLC.
In 2017, the Dolphins allowed just 33 sacks (11th in the NFL) despite using nine different offensive line combinations. The unit’s run blocking improved as the season progressed, with running back Kenyan Drake leading the NFL with 444 rushing yards over the final five weeks.
Kuper helped the Dolphins to a 10-win season and a postseason appearance in 2016 as Miami won nine of its final 11 games. During those 11 contests, the team ranked No. 3 in the NFL with 132.9 rushing yards per game and tied for third in the league with just 13 sacks allowed.
Selected by Denver in the fifth round (161st overall) of 2006 NFL Draft from the University of North Dakota, Kuper started 79-of-90 games played (68 at RG; 11 at LG) while playing his entire eight-year NFL career with the Broncos. A three-time captain, Kuper was the recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award in 2012 as voted on by his teammates.
Kuper (pronounced: KOO-per) was a two-time All-American at North Dakota (2004-05). A native of Anchorage, Alaska, he was born on Dec. 19, 1982.
