In Memoriam: Theodore 'Ted' Kempski
April 09, 2025
Campus community remembers longest-serving assistant football coach in UD history
Theodore “Ted” C. Kempski, a standout University of Delaware quarterback who became the longest-serving assistant football coach in UD history, shaping generations of Delaware football players, died March 23, 2025. He was 84.
A proud UD alumnus, Mr. Kempski dedicated more than half a century to the University, leaving an enduring legacy as both a player and coach.
"Coach Kempski will always be a Blue Hen legend,” said Jordan Skolnick, interim director of Athletics, Community and Campus Recreation. “He impacted so many people in the University of Delaware community, and his passing is a huge loss for our UD family. We are thinking of his loved ones and will cherish the countless memories of Coach Kempski.”
Head Football Coach Ryan Carty said, “Coach Kempski was an exceptional representation of the University of Delaware, both on and off the football field. He mentored a countless number of young men who came through our program. His loss will have a significant impact on our community, but the legacy he left will be everlasting.”
As a two-year starting quarterback in 1961-62, Mr. Kempski led the Blue Hens to the Middle Atlantic Conference title and the Lambert Cup in 1962 under Hall of Fame Head Coach Dave Nelson. After coaching at Marshall and George Washington, he returned to his alma mater in 1968, serving as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator for 34 years under Hall of Famer Tubby Raymond.
During his tenure at the University, Coach Kempski helped guide record-setting offenses that consistently ranked among the nation’s best in rushing and scoring. His leadership contributed to national championships in 1971, 1972 and 1979, along with four national runner-up finishes, 16 NCAA Tournament appearances and eight conference titles. Under his guidance, the Blue Hens amassed an impressive record of 292-109-3. His impact on Delaware football is evident in the 16 UD Athletics Hall of Fame members who played offense under his coaching.
Coach Kempski was a renowned expert on the Wing-T offense, authoring five books on the subject and becoming one of the nation’s leading football clinic speakers.
His dedication to the sport was recognized in 2008 when he received the American Football Coaches Association Outstanding Achievement Award for his significant contributions to football. At the time, Coach Kempski said, “This award is a compliment to the great players and coaches that I was associated with over the years. I am grateful to the University of Delaware for allowing me to work at such a great institution."
At the time, Coach Raymond lauded Coach Kempski for his immeasurable contributions to the program, saying, “We were eminently successful and on the cutting edge of offensive football. Much of our success was a result of Ted's imagination and teaching ability as we adjusted to defensive trends and the increasing ability of our players. It is my opinion that Ted Kempski was the quintessential assistant football coach, having helped Delaware achieve national recognition in addition to his special contribution of helping other coaches throughout the country."
In recognition of his lasting impact, Coach Kempski was inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in 2010 and the University of Delaware Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.
When he was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame, Coach Kempski said,”"Being inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame is the most cherished award I could possibly receive. I say this because my career at UD was more than an education and a job. It was my life. I consider UD football as part of my family….
"I have two chapters in my UD experience: Playing quarterback and coaching," he said. "As a coach for 34 years, I have too many memories to list. I enjoyed all the Lambert Cups we collected and all the great people I was associated with, players, coaches and staff, many of whom became lifelong friends.”
After he retired from coaching, Coach Kempski continued his service to the University of Delaware as a special assistant to Director of Athletics Edgar Johnson, working until 2010 in various areas of the Blue Hen athletic program, including special projects, game day and facility operations and sports camps.
He earned both his bachelor’s degree (1963) and master’s degree (1965) from the University of Delaware. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Nuevo León in Monterrey, Mexico, in 1988.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Coach Kempski attended Salesianum School. where he was a standout athlete, leading the football team to its first undefeated season in 1957. A first-team All-State selection, he was named to multiple prep All-America teams and was honored as the MVP of the Blue-Gold All-Star game. In addition to football, he excelled in basketball and baseball. His exceptional football abilities earned him recruitment to the University of Virginia. He later transferred to UD, where he continued his collegiate football career.
Coach Kempski is survived by his wife of 35 years, Catherine “Cathy” M. Kempski; his children, Daniel Kempski (Wendy Wolf), Wilmington, Delaware,, and Margaret “Peggy” Rambo-Biddle (Patrick), Elkton, Maryland; grandchildren; Katelyn Kempski (Jake Schneider), Kelley Leadingham (Mark), Kendall Cairns, Zachary Biddle, Maggie Biddle, Courtney Whalen (Alan Worrall), and Johnny Whalen; and great-grandchildren, Charlotte Leadingham, Addilyn Worrall, Charleigh Worrall, Alan Worrall and Naima Whalen.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the University of Delaware Athletic Fund at 631 South College Ave., Bob Carpenter Center Room 239, Newark, DE 19716.
To read his complete obituary or leave online condolences, visit Hicks Home for Funerals, P.A.
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