Texas A&M’s Jordan Peterson Emerging as Top Candidate for Kansas State DC Job
Texas A&M co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Jordan Peterson is reportedly in the mix for the defensive coordinator position at Kansas State - a move that would reunite him with newly hired Wildcats head coach Collin Klein. The two previously worked together in College Station, and with Klein now building out his staff in Manhattan, it looks like he may be eyeing a familiar face to lead his defense.
Peterson has been a key part of Texas A&M’s defensive brain trust over the past two seasons. He joined Mike Elko’s inaugural staff in January 2024 and quickly became a steady hand in the secondary, overseeing the cornerbacks while working alongside a deep group of defensive assistants that included Lyle Hemphill (associate head coach for defense), Ishmael Aristide (defensive backs), and Bryant Gross-Armiento (nickels). The Aggies ran with a four-coach secondary setup this season, and Peterson played a central role in shaping one of the more efficient pass defenses in the country.
That work didn’t go unnoticed. Texas A&M finished the regular season 11-1 and punched its ticket to the College Football Playoff as the No. 7 seed. The Aggies’ pass-efficiency defense ranked 33rd nationally - a testament to the cohesion in the secondary and the kind of impact Peterson had in his role.
Peterson is no stranger to the Aggies. He played at A&M and got his coaching start there as a graduate assistant in 2010-11.
After that, he built his résumé with a series of stops across the country: Fresno State (2012-16), New Mexico (2017-19), and Kansas (2020-23). His time at Kansas included stints as safeties coach, defensive analyst, and eventually co-defensive coordinator.
He returned to A&M in 2024 under Elko with a two-year, $1.25 million deal that runs through January 2026.
Now, with Klein taking the reins at Kansas State, Peterson could be in line for his biggest opportunity yet - a full-time defensive coordinator role at a Power Five program with momentum. It’s a natural connection: Klein knows what Peterson brings to the table, and Peterson, who’s coached in the Big 12 before, understands the league’s tempo and offensive variety.
Texas A&M, meanwhile, is navigating a wave of staff turnover following the regular season. Hemphill has already been promoted to defensive coordinator after Jay Bateman left for Kentucky. The Aggies are also expected to bring in former Arkansas DC Travis Williams to coach linebackers - a role Bateman previously held - and Kentucky tight ends coach Derek Shay is set to replace Christian Ellsworth, who is also following Klein to Kansas State.
Despite the coaching carousel, the Aggies still have business to handle. They’re set to host No. 10 seed Miami (10-2) in the first round of the College Football Playoff this Saturday at Kyle Field.
Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT, with coverage on ABC and ESPN.
For now, all eyes are on the postseason - but with Peterson’s name in the mix at Kansas State, the coaching dominoes in College Station may not be done falling just yet.