Kansas State University has officially hired Jeremiah Johnson as its new defensive backs coach, head coach Collin Klein announced Wednesday. Johnson brings 24 years of coaching experience, including 13 years as a defensive coordinator, and is expected to make an immediate impact on the Wildcats’ secondary.
Johnson spent the 2025 season at Coastal Carolina as the team’s defensive coordinator and served as interim head coach for the Independence Bowl against Louisiana Tech. He previously worked with Klein during the 2016 season at Northern Iowa, making this a reunion of sorts. “When Coach Klein reached out about joining his staff, it was a no-brainer,” Johnson said. “I’m honored to return to my home state and be part of the Wildcat family.”
Throughout his career, Johnson has held defensive coordinator positions at Northern Iowa (2014–2021, 2023), Kent State (2022), and Louisiana Tech (2024). At Northern Iowa, his defenses produced 32 All-MVFC First Team selections, 15 Associated Press FCS All-America honors, and seven AFCA All-American accolades. His Louisiana Tech defense in 2024 ranked 12th nationally in total defense, with significant improvements in scoring and rushing defense compared to the prior season.
Johnson also has experience coaching defensive backs, linebackers, and wide receivers at programs including Loras College, Wyoming, and Northern Iowa, where he began as a graduate assistant and video coordinator. A native of Scandia, Kansas, he earned a bachelor’s degree in sports science from Kansas and a master’s in athletic administration from Loras College.
Johnson will join a K-State coaching staff committed to developing elite defensive talent while building a competitive program. He and his family—wife Nicki, son Lane, and daughter Drew—are set to make Manhattan their home as they embark on this new chapter with the Wildcats.
