Report: Kansas State Targets Texas A&M's Jordan Peterson for Defensive Coordinator Role
There’s movement brewing in Manhattan, and it looks like Collin Klein is zeroing in on a familiar name to take over the defensive reins at Kansas State. According to reports, Texas A&M’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Jordan Peterson is a top target to become the Wildcats’ next defensive coordinator.
If the hire goes through, Peterson would be the second defensive coordinator to exit College Station this offseason. He’d follow Jay Bateman, who’s headed to Kentucky for the same role. While Mike Elko has been the primary defensive play-caller for the Aggies, Peterson has played a key role in shaping a defense that quietly put together one of the most efficient seasons in the country.
Texas A&M’s defense in 2025 was no joke. The Aggies finished the regular season ranked 19th nationally in total yards allowed, holding opponents to just 309.8 yards per game.
On third down? They were the best in the nation - full stop.
Opposing quarterbacks didn’t have much luck either, as A&M gave up just 182.8 passing yards per game and a stingy 14.1 yards per completion - both marks among the elite in college football.
Peterson’s resume goes beyond just this past season. He’s no stranger to the Big 12 footprint or the Sunflower State.
From 2020 to 2023, he was part of Lance Leipold’s staff at Kansas, working his way up to defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach. Under his guidance, the Jayhawks' secondary became a real strength, with four All-Big 12 selections, including standout corner Cobee Bryant - a two-time first-team honoree.
Before that, Peterson logged time at New Mexico, where he served as the Lobos’ defensive coordinator in 2019, and spent several years at Fresno State, gaining experience in a variety of defensive roles.
Should Kansas State finalize this move, it would fill the vacancy left by Joe Klanderman, who departed to take over as Baylor’s defensive coordinator. For Klein, bringing in a coach with Peterson’s track record - one who’s built secondaries that can hold their own in the pass-happy Big 12 - makes a lot of sense. It’s a hire that would signal continuity with a modern edge, especially for a Kansas State program that’s looking to stay tough defensively while navigating a changing conference landscape.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M still has business to handle. The Aggies are set to face Miami (FL) on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. in the opening round of the College Football Playoff - a high-stakes matchup that will test just how well this defense can hold up amid staff turnover.
Whether Peterson is on the sideline for that game remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: his coaching stock is rising, and Kansas State is ready to make a move.