Kansas State Rounds Out Defensive Staff with Two Veteran Hires
Collin Klein’s first coaching staff as Kansas State’s head man is starting to take real shape - and on the defensive side, it’s now officially complete. The Wildcats announced the additions of Marcus Woodson as defensive backs coach and Nick Toth as linebackers coach, two seasoned hires that bring a combined four decades of experience to Manhattan.
Let’s break it down.
Nick Toth: A Proven Defensive Mind with Mountain West Success
Toth, who joins the Wildcats after a season at Air Force, brings a résumé that stretches across some of college football’s most respected programs. From Oregon to Texas A&M, and Fresno State to the Academy, he’s spent the last 20 years building a reputation as a sharp defensive strategist and a strong recruiter.
At Air Force, Toth helped lead a defense that finished first in the Mountain West in total defense - allowing just 341.9 yards per game. That’s no small feat, especially considering the variety of offensive styles in that league. His ability to adapt schemes and get the most out of his players has been a consistent theme throughout his career.
“Nick brings a wealth of experience from a schematic and recruiting standpoint,” Klein said in a statement. “He is of extremely high character and hard working. We are excited to have him help us take K-State to the next level.”
Toth echoed that sentiment, pointing to the culture of excellence that’s long defined Kansas State football.
“K-State Athletics has a standard of excellence that Gene Taylor has pushed to the highest level,” Toth said. “The championship tradition that legendary coach Bill Snyder created is what all coaches strive to be a part of. We cannot wait to get to work.”
Marcus Woodson: Veteran DB Coach with SEC and ACC Pedigree
On the back end of the defense, Kansas State is handing the keys to Marcus Woodson - a coach with 21 years of experience working with secondaries across the SEC and ACC. Most recently at Arkansas, Woodson now takes on the added role of co-defensive coordinator in Manhattan.
This marks Woodson’s first stop in the Big 12, but he’s no stranger to high-level football. His past stops include programs in the SEC and ACC, where he’s developed NFL-caliber talent and helped build aggressive, disciplined secondaries.
“My family and I are incredibly excited to join the Kansas State family,” Woodson said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to pour into our players and help build something special here in Manhattan.”
Klein didn’t hold back in his praise for the hire.
“Marcus is a great addition to our defensive staff,” he said. “He is of high character, hard working and a winner. I am excited for him to help lead our defense and develop our secondary.”
Defensive Staff Taking Shape
With Woodson and Toth now in the fold, Klein has officially filled all defensive assistant roles. They join defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson and defensive line coach Buddy Wyatt to complete what looks like a well-rounded, experienced group on that side of the ball.
Here’s how the defensive staff stacks up:
- Defensive Coordinator: Jordan Peterson
- Defensive Line: Buddy Wyatt
- Linebackers: Nick Toth
- Defensive Backs / Co-Defensive Coordinator: Marcus Woodson
It’s clear that Klein is prioritizing not just experience, but character and cultural fit as he builds his first staff. And with the defensive side now locked in, all eyes shift to the offensive hires still to come.
As of now, the offensive coordinator, running backs coach, and wide receivers coach roles remain open. But with Christian Ellsworth already in place as quarterbacks coach and Stanton Weber overseeing special teams, the foundation is there.
Klein’s vision for Kansas State football is beginning to take shape - and with these latest hires, the Wildcats are adding proven coaching talent to help them compete in an evolving Big 12 landscape.