Full Breakdown
Kansas State Football Staff Completes Defensive Coaching Lineup
12/23/2025, 11:56:43 AM
New Additions to the Coaching Staff
Kansas State University head football coach Collin Klein has finalized his defensive coaching staff with the recent hiring of Nick Toth as the linebackers coach and Marcus Woodson as the defensive backs coach. This marks a significant step in Klein's efforts to build a competitive team as he embarks on his inaugural season as head coach.
Nick Toth brings over two decades of coaching experience, having previously worked at institutions such as Air Force, Fresno State, Oregon, and Texas A&M. His most recent position was at Air Force, where he contributed to a defense that ranked first in the Mountain West Conference, allowing an average of 341.9 yards per game. Klein praised Toth, stating, “He brings a wealth of experience from a schematic and recruiting standpoint,” and emphasized Toth's high character and work ethic.
Marcus Woodson, who will also serve as co-defensive coordinator, has 21 years of coaching experience, including three years at Arkansas. This will be Woodson's first role in the Big 12 Conference after spending significant time in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Klein expressed enthusiasm for Woodson's addition, noting, “He is of high character, hard working and a winner.”
Coaching Staff Overview
With the addition of Toth and Woodson, Klein's defensive staff is now complete. The current coaching lineup includes:
- Head Coach: Collin Klein
- Defensive Coordinator: Jordan Peterson
- Defensive Line Coach: Buddy Wyatt
- Linebackers Coach: Nick Toth
- Defensive Backs Coach: Marcus Woodson
- Special Teams Coordinator: Stanton Weber
- General Manager: Trey Scott
- Director of Recruiting: Taylor Braet
Implications for Kansas State Football
The completion of the defensive coaching staff is a crucial development for Kansas State football as it prepares for the upcoming season. The combination of Toth's extensive experience and Woodson's proven track record in secondary coaching is expected to enhance the team's defensive capabilities. Both coaches have expressed their eagerness to contribute to the program's tradition of excellence, which has been a hallmark of Kansas State football under legendary coach Bill Snyder.
Official Statements
In their statements, both Toth and Woodson highlighted their excitement about joining Kansas State. Toth remarked on the university's standard of excellence, while Woodson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to help build a strong program in Manhattan.
What's Next
As the Kansas State Wildcats gear up for the new season, the focus will be on integrating the new coaching staff and developing strategies to enhance team performance. The upcoming training sessions will be critical for establishing the defensive framework that Klein envisions for the team.
