Steve Cooper is the veteran of the Portland State coaching staff as he enters his 10th season in 2018. He is now in his ninth season working with Head Coach Bruce Barnum.
Cooper was elevated to Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach in 2015 when Barnum took over as head coach. The new role was the culmination of Cooper’s commitment, hard work and knowledge of Barnum’s offensive system.
In 2015, the Vikings implemented subtle changes to what had been a very successful Viking offense over the years. The results included an improvement of 10 points per game over 2014 and 11 fewer turnovers on the season.Â
PSU’s running game was as strong as ever, going over 3,000 yards with 33 touchdowns. In addition, wide receiver-converted-running back David Jones rushed for 1,127 yards.
As quarterbacks coach as well, Cooper guided his new signal caller Alex Kuresa to a brilliant season. Kuresa was named the Big Sky’s Newcomer of the Year as he accounted for 2,730 yards of total offense and 24 touchdowns. Â
The Vikings were extremely productive again in 2016. They averaged 454.2 yards and 33.2 points per game. Seven Vikings earned All-Big Sky Conference honors led by offensive lineman Cam Keizur, who earned first team honors.
In 2017, Cooper found himself trying to establish a new quarterback following the graduation of Kuresa. Redshirt freshman Davis Alexander and true freshman Jalani Eason split duty along with senior Josh Kraght. The Vikings averaged 429.0 yards and 23.3 points per game.
Alexander closed out the season starting the final three games. He had 1,165 passing yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions in those three games. Eason made five starts during the season, compiling 803 passing yards, 222 rushing yards and accounting for 10 touchdowns. Those two are expected to be the top contenders for the starting role in 2018.
BACKGROUND
In 2010, Cooper coached tight ends and proved to be a great success, working with Julius Thomas, a former basketball player competing in his first season of football. Thomas earned first team All-Big Sky Conference and after just one season was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Twice, while with the Broncos, Thomas was named NFL All-Pro. In 2015, Thomas signed the largest tight end contract in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He currently plays for the Miami Dolphins.
Cooper moved over to work with wide receivers beginning in 2011 and played a vital role under Bruce Barnum in developing Portland State’s dynamic offenses.
Cooper had a talented, veteran group in 2011-12 with Justin Monahan, Nevin Lewis and Keitrell Anderson. When they graduated, the wide receiver position became a question mark for 2013. However, Cooper developed redshirt Kasey Closs into one of the top receivers in the Big Sky Conference, Thomas Carter had another solid season, and several others became important contributors.Â
In 2014, Cooper coached a group that included Closs, Carter, Alex Toureen and Darnell Adams who combined for 140 receptions and more than 1,800 yards.
Cooper, a student-athlete for the Vikings in 2007-08, took on a graduate assistant role in 2009.
Originally from Myrtle Point, OR, Cooper is a 2009 graduate of Portland State. He has a degree in Philosophy from PSU.
THE STEVE COOPER FILE
10th year at Portland State
Hometown: Myrtle Point, OR
Alma Mater: Portland State, 2009, Philosophy
Playing Experience: Portland State, 2007-08, wide receiver
Date of Birth: April 3, 1986
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2015-18 Â Â Portland State, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks
2011-14 Â Â Portland State, wide receivers
2010 Â Â Â Â Portland State, tight ends
2009Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Portland State, graduate assistant
ALL-BIG SKY CONFERENCE VIKINGS UNDER STEVE COOPER
2010 - TIGHT ENDS
1st team: TE Julius Thomas
2011 - WIDE RECEIVERS
HM: WR Justin Monahan
2012 - WIDE RECEIVERS
HM: WR Justin Monahan
2013 - WIDE RECEIVERS
3rd team: WR Kasey Closs
2014 - WIDE RECEIVERS
HM: WR Kasey Closs
2015 - OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Newcomer of the Year: Alex Kuresa, QB
2nd team: Kyle Smith, OT; David Jones, RB
3rd team: Mike Davis, OT; Cam Keizur, OG
HM: Darnell Adams, WR; Randin Crecelius, OG; Alex Kuresa, QB
2016 - OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
1st team: RG Cam Keizur
2nd team: TE Maximo Espitia
3rd team: LT Randin Crecelius
HM: LG Tyshon Mosley, QB Alex Kuresa, RB Nate Tago, RB Paris Penn
2017 - OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
2nd team: LG Tyshon Mosley, TE Charlie Taumoepeau
3rd team: WR Darnell Adams
HM: LT Randin Crecelius
