Kansas State head coach Collin Klein is wasting no time shaping his staff, and he's reaching into familiar territory to do it. Just days after Texas A&M’s College Football Playoff exit, Klein has brought in a pair of Aggie assistants to help steer the Wildcats into a new era.
Jordan Peterson, who served as co-defensive coordinator at Texas A&M, is set to take over the reins of K-State’s defense. It’s a significant hire for Klein, who clearly values Peterson’s experience in the SEC and his ability to coach at a high level. Peterson’s defensive units in College Station were known for their physicality and discipline-qualities that align well with the identity Klein is trying to build in Manhattan.
Peterson’s move also signals a shift in K-State’s defensive philosophy. Expect a more aggressive approach, with an emphasis on creating chaos at the line of scrimmage and forcing turnovers. Peterson has shown he can develop talent and scheme effectively against high-powered offenses, and now he’ll be tasked with translating that success to the Big 12-or whatever version of the conference we’re looking at post-realignment.
Joining him on staff is Christian Ellsworth, who coached tight ends at A&M but will now take over as quarterbacks coach for the Wildcats. Don’t let the youthful appearance fool you-Ellsworth has deep ties to Klein and the program.
He played one season under Klein at Northern Iowa and later served as a graduate assistant at Kansas State. That familiarity matters.
Klein knows what he’s getting in Ellsworth: someone who understands his system, communicates well with players, and brings a sharp football mind to the quarterback room.
This hire also speaks volumes about how Klein views the development of his quarterbacks. By bringing in someone he trusts-someone who’s been in the room with him before-he’s doubling down on continuity and cohesion. That’s especially important in today’s college football landscape, where quarterback play can make or break a season.
These moves mark the first major staff additions under Klein’s leadership, and they provide a glimpse into the kind of program he’s building. By leaning on coaches with SEC experience and personal ties to his own football journey, Klein is blending pedigree with familiarity. It’s a smart approach-and one that could pay dividends as Kansas State looks to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving college football environment.