Mississippi State is adding a seasoned offensive mind to its coaching staff, as head coach Jeff Lebby announced Sunday that Kevin Johns will be joining the Bulldogs.
Johns brings nearly three decades of coaching experience to Starkville, with a résumé that spans some of the top programs in college football. Most recently, he served as the quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma State, but his coaching journey has also taken him through the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and beyond - including notable stints at Oklahoma, Duke, Memphis, Texas Tech, Western Michigan, Indiana, Northwestern, and Richmond.
“Kevin Johns is a big-time addition for our program,” Lebby said in a statement. “His résumé speaks for itself - he’s been an elite offensive mind for a long time, coordinating explosive, productive offenses and consistently developing talent and generating production.”
That’s not just coach-speak. Across his career, Johns has built a reputation for crafting offenses that move the ball with tempo and purpose. He’s worked with a wide range of quarterbacks and offensive systems, and his ability to adapt to personnel while maintaining a high level of execution has made him a valuable asset wherever he’s gone.
In 2024, Johns served as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma, giving him direct experience in the SEC footprint - something that should serve him well as he transitions into a key role at Mississippi State. His familiarity with the conference, combined with his deep play-calling experience, adds a layer of veteran leadership to a Bulldogs staff looking to take the next step.
Mississippi State is coming off a 5-7 campaign in Lebby’s second season at the helm, but there were signs of progress. The Bulldogs snapped a two-year SEC winless streak with a 38-35 victory over Arkansas, and the offense showed flashes of the up-tempo identity Lebby is known for. With Johns now in the fold, the expectation is that those flashes can become more consistent.
“Kevin understands how to evaluate, teach and adapt, and he knows how to turn those traits into results,” Lebby added. “His experience and offensive acumen will be a major asset for us moving forward.”
For his part, Johns is embracing the opportunity.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to join Coach Lebby’s staff,” he said. “I’ve long had a great deal of respect for the Mississippi State program. I’m looking forward to working with the players, investing in their development and contributing to an offense that plays fast, physical and aggressive.”
That mindset aligns perfectly with what Lebby has been building in Starkville - an offense that’s not just schematically sharp, but also plays with an edge. With Johns on board, Mississippi State is adding a coach who not only knows how to draw up explosive plays, but also how to develop the players who make them happen.
It’s a strategic hire at a pivotal time for the program. As the Bulldogs look to climb the SEC ladder, bringing in a coach with Johns’ experience and track record could be a difference-maker.