Hailey
Marcus Woodson has officially been named the co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Kansas State Wildcats, a move that signals a strong commitment to defensive excellence as the program prepares for the upcoming Big 12 Conference season.
The hiring comes under new head coach Collin Klein, who is reshaping the Wildcats’ coaching staff with experienced leaders.
Woodson brings more than two decades of coaching experience, particularly in developing elite defensive backs and improving pass defense.
Who Is Marcus Woodson?
Marcus Woodson is a highly respected college football defensive coach known for his technical knowledge, player development skills, and leadership in the secondary.
He is a native of Moss Point, Mississippi, and played college football at Ole Miss Rebels as a safety before an injury ended his playing career.
After graduating, Woodson transitioned into coaching in 2005, steadily building a reputation as a defensive specialist.
Over the years, he has worked with multiple Power Five programs, gaining experience in recruiting, scheme design, and on-field instruction.
Previous Coaching Experience and Success
Before arriving at Kansas State, Woodson served as co-defensive coordinator at the Arkansas Razorbacks. During his time there, Arkansas showed noticeable improvement in pass defense efficiency, ranking among the better defensive units the program had seen in more than a decade.
Earlier in his career, Woodson coached at several high-profile programs, including the Florida State Seminoles, where the secondary consistently ranked among the top pass-defending units nationally.
His coaching résumé also includes stops at Auburn, Memphis, and Fresno State, giving him experience across different defensive systems and conferences.
Role and Responsibilities at Kansas State
At Kansas State, Marcus Woodson will operate in a co-defensive coordinator role, meaning he will share responsibility for overall defensive planning, play design, and in-game adjustments.
He will also serve as the primary defensive backs coach, overseeing cornerbacks and safeties.
This role is especially important in the Big 12, where offenses rely heavily on the passing game.
Woodson’s expertise in coverage schemes, route recognition, and turnover creation is expected to help the Wildcats reduce explosive plays and improve third-down efficiency.
Key Career and Personal Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marcus Woodson |
| Hometown | Moss Point, Mississippi |
| College Played | Ole Miss |
| Position Played | Safety |
| Coaching Experience | 20+ years |
| Most Recent Role | Arkansas Co-Defensive Coordinator |
| New Role at K-State | Co-Defensive Coordinator & Defensive Backs Coach |
| Family | Married with children |
Why This Hire Matters for the Wildcats
The addition of Marcus Woodson reflects Collin Klein’s vision of building a defense that can compete at the highest level.
Kansas State has traditionally relied on discipline and physicality, and Woodson’s background adds a modern edge focused on pass defense, ball skills, and defensive versatility.
With Big 12 offenses becoming faster and more complex, Woodson’s experience against elite competition gives Kansas State a significant advantage heading into future seasons.
The hiring of Marcus Woodson as Kansas State’s co-defensive coordinator is a meaningful step forward for the Wildcats football program.
His proven success in developing defensive backs, improving pass defense, and leading defensive units makes him a valuable addition to the coaching staff.
As Kansas State looks to strengthen its identity in the Big 12, Woodson’s leadership and experience are expected to play a key role in shaping the team’s defensive future.