Texas A&M assistant emerges as target for Big 12 school, per report
By David Wasson
Published:
The Texas A&M Aggies could be losing a key component of their defensive coaching staff after the College Football Playoff, as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Jordan Peterson is reportedly a target for Kansas State’s defensive coordinator vacancy.
According to CBS Sports, Peterson is being eyed by new Wildcats coach Collin Klein, who is set to take over his alma mater in Manhattan after Chris Klieman announced his retirement earlier in December. Klein and Peterson have coached together on the Aggies staff since 2024, with Klein serving as Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator.
Peterson played defensive back at Texas A&M from 2006-09 before returning to College Station as a graduate assistant in 2010. He made stops at Fresno State, New Mexico, and Kansas before arriving in College Station to serve as co-defensive coordinator with Lyle Hemphill and coach the Aggies’ defensive backs.
Both Klein and Peterson are believed to be remaining with Texas A&M through their run in the CFP – which begins Saturday when the 7-seed Aggies take on 10-seed Miami in a first-round game at Kyle Field (Noon ET, ABC/ESPN).
Peterson would take over at Kansas State for Joe Klanderman, who is moving to become the defensive coordinator at Baylor. The Wildcats finished 6-6 in Klieman’s final season at Kansas State and opted to skip a bowl game in 2025 – which drew a $500,000 fine from the Big 12.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
