| Nationality |  Germany |
|---|---|
| Past Teams | Düsseldorf Panther |
| Age | 0 |
Eric Kempkes is the definition of a “homegrown” talent, having climbed the ranks from a youth player to the Offensive Coordinator (OC) of his home club. For over 22 years, Kempkes, who is set to take over the offense of the Düsseldorf Panther starting in the 2026 season, has been a constant fixture in Europe’s oldest American Football club. His ascent to OC is not merely the next logical step in his coaching career, but a deeply felt “heart project” born from years of dedication and trust. He is known for a philosophy that prioritizes team spirit, mutual trust, and game understanding. His primary goal is to put the players in the best possible position to succeed, both on and off the field. Kempkes embodies the Panther identity, bringing a deep organizational knowledge to his new leading role.
Previous stations
- DP U20 (Düsseldorf Panther Youth, Coach, 2013–2015)
- DP Prospects (Düsseldorf Panther, Coach, 2015–2016)
- Düsseldorf Panther (Youth Player, 2003–2016)
- Düsseldorf Panther (Men’s Team Coach, since 2016)
- IR Remscheid Amboss (Coach, 2020–2024)
- Düsseldorf Panther (Assistant Defensive Backs Coach, 2024)
- Düsseldorf Panther (Wide Receiver Coach, 2025)
- Düsseldorf Panther (Offensive Coordinator, starting 2026)
Achievements
Team Achievements
- As a player, he scored points in a U19 test game in 2016 for the Düsseldorf Panther, which they won 42-0.
- No specific titles (championships or final appearances) were mentioned in the available sources.
Personal Achievements
- Promotion to Offensive Coordinator for the Düsseldorf Panther (Starting in the 2026 season)
Other
- Full Name & Nicknames: The sources only refer to him as Eric Kempkes. No other names or nicknames were found.
- Long-Term Loyalty: He has been part of the Düsseldorf Panther organization for over 22 years and is described as a “Panther through and through.”
- Motivation and Philosophy: For Kempkes, the Panthers and football have always served as a balance to everyday life. The people in the club have become very dear to him, which is why the move to OC was a logical step.
- Quote on Philosophy: He places great importance on trust, game understanding, and team spirit. He stated: “I want to put the players in the best possible position to make plays. If the players on the field trust in themselves, their teammates, and the coaching staff, that is the foundation of a successful offense.” (Translated from German).
- Relationship with Head Coach: The promotion to OC resulted from long-term discussions with Head Coach Jaycee Krieg (“JC”) about taking over the offense. The trust placed in him by the board and JC means a great deal to him.
- Personal Development: He has progressed from a youth player and long-time coach of the DP youth and various assistant positions (Assistant Defensive Backs Coach, Wide Receiver Coach) to Offensive Coordinator.
Credits
- https://footbowl.eu/eric-kempkes-wird-oc-der-panther/
- https://www.hudl.com/profile/4024397
- https://footbowl.eu/tag/duesseldorf-panther/
- https://www.football-aktuell.de/cgi-bin/news.pl?artikel=1457524931502711&idp=1
