Kansas State has hired Jeremiah Johnson as its new defensive backs coach, head coach Collin Klein announced Wednesday. Johnson brings 24 years of coaching experience, including 13 seasons as a defensive coordinator.

Johnson joins the Wildcats after one season at Coastal Carolina, where he served as defensive coordinator and interim head coach for the Independence Bowl. He previously held coordinator roles at Northern Iowa, Kent State and Louisiana Tech. At Louisiana Tech in 2024, Johnson led a defense that ranked 12th nationally in total defense after a major improvement from the previous season.

Klein said Johnson is a strong teacher and recruiter who helps build programs. Johnson and Klein previously worked together at Northern Iowa in 2016.

A native of Scandia, Kansas, Johnson said returning to his home state played a role in his decision. He will begin his role with K-State ahead of the 2026 season.