Jeff Lebby continues to build out his Mississippi State staff with an eye toward offensive firepower, and his latest addition brings plenty of it. The Bulldogs officially announced the hiring of veteran coach Kevin Johns as an offensive assistant, adding another sharp offensive mind to the mix in Starkville.
Johns arrives with nearly 30 years of experience and a résumé that speaks for itself. He’s been one of the most consistent offensive coordinators in the college game over the past decade-plus, known for his adaptability, creativity, and quarterback development. This isn’t just a name hire-it’s a strategic move that gives Lebby another seasoned thinker in the offensive room.
A Proven Track Record Across the Country
Johns spent the 2025 season as the quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma State, and before that, he served as a senior analyst at Oklahoma in 2024. Those two years in the Sooner State gave him a glimpse into Jeff Lebby’s system, which should help ease the transition into Mississippi State’s offensive plans.
But the bulk of Johns’ impact has come as an offensive coordinator. From 2011 to 2023, he held OC roles at six different FBS programs, consistently delivering results.
His most recent coordinator job came at Duke, where he worked under Mike Elko in 2022 and 2023. In just one year, Johns transformed Duke’s offense from the ACC’s lowest-scoring unit into the fifth-best in the conference.
That turnaround wasn’t just about scheme-it was about development too. Under his watch, quarterback Riley Leonard blossomed into a legitimate NFL prospect.
Before Duke, Johns led the offense at Memphis from 2019 to 2021, where he helped quarterbacks Brady White and Seth Hennigan put up big numbers in a system that balanced tempo with execution. His 2018 stop at Texas Tech and 2017 stint at Western Michigan continued to showcase his versatility, and his six-year run at Indiana (2011-2016) laid the foundation for his reputation as a forward-thinking play-caller.
A Fit for Lebby’s Vision
This hire fits squarely within what Jeff Lebby is building at Mississippi State. Johns has experience with a wide range of offensive systems-from the Power Spread to the Air Raid to the Veer and Shoot-and he’s found success with both traditional pocket passers and mobile quarterbacks. That flexibility makes him a valuable asset in an era where offensive adaptability is key.
Just like the earlier addition of Bush Hamdan, bringing in Johns gives Lebby another coach with a high football IQ to collaborate with. These are the kinds of hires that don’t just fill out a staff-they elevate it.
Johns knows how to build an offense, how to develop talent, and how to adjust on the fly. And having already been exposed to elements of Lebby’s system during his time at Oklahoma, there’s a built-in familiarity that should pay dividends.
Still More to Come?
While Johns’ exact role on the staff hasn't been announced yet-Mississippi State still has some pieces to finalize, including a wide receivers coach-his presence alone is a win for the Bulldogs. Whether he’s working directly with quarterbacks, coordinating the passing game, or simply serving as a trusted voice in the offensive brain trust, Johns brings value.
This is the kind of hire that helps shape a program’s identity on offense. With Lebby at the helm and experienced minds like Johns and Hamdan in the building, Mississippi State is putting together a staff that knows how to move the ball, score points, and develop quarterbacks. That’s a strong foundation to build on heading into the next chapter in Starkville.