Kansas State Adds Veteran Defensive Mind Jeremiah Johnson to Defensive Backs Staff
Kansas State continues to build out its defensive coaching staff under new head coach Collin Klein, and the latest addition brings a deep well of experience and proven results. On December 24, the Wildcats announced the hiring of Jeremiah Johnson as their newest defensive backs coach, rounding out a trio of coaches with responsibilities in the secondary.
Johnson arrives in Manhattan after a one-year stint at Coastal Carolina, where he served as defensive coordinator and later took over as interim head coach to close out the season. He’ll remain with the Chanticleers through their Independence Bowl appearance on December 30 before officially joining the Wildcats.
While Klein already has two defensive coaches with defensive backs in their job titles - defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson and co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson - Johnson is the only one whose sole focus will be the secondary. That distinction signals the kind of targeted expertise he brings to the table.
Klein and Johnson have history, having worked together back in 2016 at Northern Iowa. At the time, Klein was coaching quarterbacks, while Johnson was running the defense. That shared experience clearly left an impression.
“Jeremiah is one of the best teachers of the game of football I have been around,” Klein said in a statement. “He is a relentless recruiter and a program builder. I am very excited to have him on our staff.”
And there’s plenty of substance behind that praise. Johnson’s résumé is stacked with stops where his defenses consistently delivered. Most recently, his 2024 Louisiana Tech unit finished 12th in the nation in total defense - a standout achievement that speaks to his ability to elevate a program quickly.
But it’s his long run at Northern Iowa that really shows the depth of his defensive acumen. Across 16 seasons with the Panthers, Johnson helped produce 32 All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First Team selections and coached five MVFC Defensive Players of the Year. During his first stretch as UNI’s defensive coordinator from 2014 to 2021, his defenses allowed just 19.9 points per game over 99 contests - a rock-solid average in today’s offensive-heavy game.
In terms of coaching stops, Johnson has made the rounds, gaining experience across multiple roles and levels. He started his career as a graduate assistant at Wyoming in 2002, then spent several years at Loras College coaching both sides of the ball.
From there, he began his long tenure at Northern Iowa, where he climbed the ladder from assistant to defensive coordinator. He’s since held DC roles at Kent State, Louisiana Tech, and Coastal Carolina.
Here’s a look at Johnson’s coaching journey:
- 2002: Wyoming (Graduate Assistant/Video Coordinator)
- 2003-04: Loras College (Defensive Backs)
- 2005: Loras College (Wide Receivers)
- 2006: Loras College (Defensive Backs)
- 2007-08: Northern Iowa (Video Coordinator/Assistant DBs)
- 2009-12: Northern Iowa (Defensive Backs/Recruiting Coordinator)
- 2013-16: Northern Iowa (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers)
- 2017-21: Northern Iowa (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs)
- 2022: Kent State (Defensive Coordinator)
- 2023: Northern Iowa (Defensive Coordinator)
- 2024: Louisiana Tech (Defensive Coordinator)
- 2025: Coastal Carolina (Defensive Coordinator/Interim Head Coach)
- 2026: Kansas State (Defensive Backs)
With Johnson now in the fold, Kansas State adds a seasoned defensive strategist who’s been around the block and knows how to develop talent. His track record of building disciplined, stingy defenses should only strengthen a Wildcats staff that’s clearly prioritizing experience and versatility on the defensive side of the ball.
For Klein, assembling a staff with both familiarity and proven success seems to be the blueprint. And with Johnson handling the secondary, the Wildcats are betting on a coach who’s not only seen it all - but knows how to teach it, too.