Patrick
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State has officially appointed Jordan Peterson as its new defensive coordinator, with added responsibility for coaching the Wildcat defensive backs, head coach Collin Klein confirmed on Sunday.
Peterson brings extensive experience to Manhattan, including five years coordinating defenses and six seasons working within Big 12 programs.
Return to Kansas After Texas A&M Tenure
Peterson arrives at Kansas State from Texas A&M, his alma mater, where he served the past two seasons as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach alongside Klein. His move marks a return to Kansas and a reunion with a coach he has previously collaborated with at a high level.
“I’m thrilled to join Coach Klein and the Kansas State football family,” Peterson said. “This is a program with deep tradition and pride. My family is excited to return to Kansas and take on the challenge of leading the K-State defense.
I’m also incredibly grateful to Texas A&M and Coach Elko for two outstanding years and lifelong relationships. EMAW!”
Strong Big 12 Roots and Coaching Reputation
A native of Lexington, Texas, Peterson is entering his third stint connected to the Big 12. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Texas A&M in 2010 and 2011, the Aggies’ final seasons in the conference.
He later spent four seasons at Kansas (2020–2023) in multiple defensive roles, including safeties coach and defensive passing game coordinator.
Coach Klein praised Peterson’s all-around skill set, noting his tactical expertise, recruiting strength, and ability to build trust with players. “Jordan is the complete package,” Klein said. “His teams play hard, develop consistently, and respond to his leadership. I’m excited to have him guiding our defense.”
Defensive Excellence at Texas A&M
During Peterson’s most recent tenure, Texas A&M compiled an 11–2 record in 2025, earning a berth in the College Football Playoff.
The Aggies produced one of the nation’s most effective defenses, leading the country in third-down defense (22.9%) and ranking near the top nationally in sacks, tackles for loss, and total defense.
The secondary under Peterson was particularly productive. Texas A&M recorded 24 pass breakups in 2025, with starting cornerbacks Will Lee III and Dezz Ricks combining for 14.
Safeties also made a major impact, including Marcus Ratcliffe, who finished second on the team with 66 tackles, and Dalton Brooks, who added 5.5 tackles for loss.
In 2024, Peterson helped guide the Aggies to an 8–5 season, highlighted by a program-best 5–0 start in SEC play and a Las Vegas Bowl appearance.
That defense ranked 14th nationally in interceptions (16) and fifth in passes defended (76), with defensive backs accounting for 13 interceptions. Lee III earned All-SEC Second Team honors, finishing among conference leaders in pass breakups.
Proven Success at Kansas and New Mexico
Before returning to Texas A&M, Peterson spent four seasons at Kansas, where he coached multiple All-Big 12 selections, including two-time First Team honoree Cobee Bryant.
In 2023, Bryant and Mello Dotson combined for seven interceptions, the most by a Kansas duo since 2007, with Dotson making history by recording pick-sixes in consecutive games.
Peterson also played a key role in Kansas’ 2022 bowl qualification, the program’s first since 2008. Earlier in his career at New Mexico, he steadily earned promotions, ultimately running the Lobos’ defense in 2019. His safeties consistently led the team in tackles during his tenure.
Longest Coaching Chapter at Fresno State
The most extended stop in Peterson’s coaching career came at Fresno State, where he earned multiple promotions and coached eight All-Mountain West performers, including four first-team selections.
As secondary coach in 2012, he helped the Bulldogs finish second nationally in pass defense and mentored Phillip Thomas, the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year. Fresno State later captured the 2013 Mountain West title during Peterson’s tenure.
Playing Career and Academic Background
Peterson began his football journey as a four-year letterwinner at Texas A&M (2006–2009), playing safety and serving as a punt returner.
He totaled 81 career tackles, 15 pass breakups, four interceptions, and a defensive touchdown, while also leading the team in punt returns in 2007. A standout in the classroom, he was a three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management in 2009 and a master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction in 2010. Peterson and his wife, Missy, are parents to three daughters: Ellie, Emery, and Everly.
Jordan Peterson’s hiring signals a significant investment in defensive excellence for Kansas State.
With deep Big 12 familiarity, a proven track record of developing elite secondaries, and experience leading top-ranked defenses, Peterson steps into Manhattan well-equipped to elevate the Wildcats.
His return to Kansas not only strengthens the coaching staff but also reinforces Kansas State’s commitment to sustained success on the defensive side of the ball.