<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Jeremy Jacobs, an Army veteran who has worked at three Power 4 schools over the last 10 seasons, has been hired as Kansas State’s Director of Strength and Conditioning, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Tuesday.

After serving in the military – which included two combat rotations – Jacobs has worked in the collegiate space at four institutions, including the LSU, Duke and Texas A&amp;M football programs.

“My family and I feel very blessed to be a part of the K-State Family,” Jacobs said. “Time to get to work!”

Jacobs comes to Manhattan after spending the last two seasons as the Associate Director of Football Strength and Conditioning/Director of Football Applied Sports Science at Texas A&amp;M, serving on the same staff as Klein.

<a>“Jeremy is one of the best strength coaches in the country,” said Klein. “He’s a great leader, disciplined, tough and builds great relationships with his players. He is a huge part of building our K-State culture!”</a>

Jacobs helped the Aggies compile a combined 19-7 record and two postseason appearances, including a berth into the 2025 College Football Playoff. Prior to College Station, Jacobs served in the same roles at Duke for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, helping the Blue Devils go a combined 16-9 with a pair of bowl victories.

Jacobs served a six-year stint at LSU from 2016 to 2021 in a variety of roles. He concluded his time at LSU as the associate director of strength and conditioning for football in 2020 and 2021, while he also served as a strength and conditioning coach (2018-19) and graduate assistant coach (2016-17).

While in Baton Rouge, Jacobs wrote all aspects of the speed and conditioning program and FRC/mobility program. He was also responsible for all aspects of the team’s perch velocity-based training system by creating daily, mesocycle, and macrocycle force/velocity and tonnage reports. In addition, he assisted in the creation of all GPS reporting to the coaching staff, sports medicine staff, and strength staff.

Jacobs spent the 2014 through 2016 seasons working as a student assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. During his time with the Panthers, he assisted the head strength and conditioning coach and assistant strength and conditioning coach in training all men’s and woman’s teams. Additionally, Jacobs provided coaching on techniques and mechanics of strength, mobility, agility, power and cardiovascular training.

Before working in college athletics, Jacobs was the vice president for the non-profit Wisconsin Weightlifting organization in 2015 and 2016, while he was a coach/co-owner of Milwaukee Barbell from 2012 thought 2016.

Jacobs earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology – exercise science from Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2016. He obtained a master’s degree in kinesiology – pedagogy and psychological from LSU in 2018.

Jacobs is a veteran of the United States Army, having spent time as a team leader from 2003 to 2007. During his tenure in the military, he was directly in charge of educating, training and supervising personnel on all tactics, standard operating procedures (SOP) and weapon systems. He served combat rotations to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Jacobs owns certifications as a strength and conditioning specialist and strength and conditioning coach from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and Collegiate Strength &amp; Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa), respectively. He is also a Level 1 USA weightlifting sports performance coach and a functional range conditioning specialist. In addition, he is CPR/AED/First Aid certified.

Jacobs and his wife, Alyssa, have a daughter, Beau, and two sons, Fitzgerald and Milo.

Hometown:&nbsp;Waukesha, Wisconsin

College:&nbsp;Wisconsin-Milwaukee – Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology-exercise science (2016); LSU – Master’s degree in kinesiology-pedagogy and psychological (2018)

Family:&nbsp;Wife: Alyssa; Children: Beau, Fitzgerald, Milo

2014-16, Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Student Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach)

2016-17, LSU (Graduate Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach)

2018-19, LSU (Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning)

2020-21, LSU (Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning)

2022-23, Duke (Associate Director of Football Strength and Conditioning/Director of Football Applied Sports Science)

2024-25, Texas A&amp;M (Associate Director of Football Strength and Conditioning/Director of Football Applied Sports Science)

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Jeremy Jacobs, an Army veteran who has worked at three Power 4 schools over the last 10 seasons, has been hired as Kansas State’s Director of Strength and Conditioning, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Tuesday.After serving in the military – which included two combat rotations – Jacobs has worked in the collegiate space at four institutions, including the LSU, Duke and Texas A&amp;M football programs.“My family and I feel very blessed to be a part of the K-State Family,” Jacobs said. “Time to get to work!”Jacobs comes to Manhattan after spending the last two seasons as the Associate Director of Football Strength and Conditioning/Director of Football Applied Sports Science at Texas A&amp;M, serving on the same staff as Klein.<a>“Jeremy is one of the best strength coaches in the country,” said Klein. “He’s a great leader, disciplined, tough and builds great relationships with his players. He is a huge part of building our K-State culture!”</a>Jacobs helped the Aggies compile a combined 19-7 record and two postseason appearances, including a berth into the 2025 College Football Playoff. Prior to College Station, Jacobs served in the same roles at Duke for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, helping the Blue Devils go a combined 16-9 with a pair of bowl victories.Jacobs served a six-year stint at LSU from 2016 to 2021 in a variety of roles. He concluded his time at LSU as the associate director of strength and conditioning for football in 2020 and 2021, while he also served as a strength and conditioning coach (2018-19) and graduate assistant coach (2016-17).While in Baton Rouge, Jacobs wrote all aspects of the speed and conditioning program and FRC/mobility program. He was also responsible for all aspects of the team’s perch velocity-based training system by creating daily, mesocycle, and macrocycle force/velocity and tonnage reports. In addition, he assisted in the creation of all GPS reporting to the coaching staff, sports medicine staff, and strength staff.Jacobs spent the 2014 through 2016 seasons working as a student assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. During his time with the Panthers, he assisted the head strength and conditioning coach and assistant strength and conditioning coach in training all men’s and woman’s teams. Additionally, Jacobs provided coaching on techniques and mechanics of strength, mobility, agility, power and cardiovascular training.Before working in college athletics, Jacobs was the vice president for the non-profit Wisconsin Weightlifting organization in 2015 and 2016, while he was a coach/co-owner of Milwaukee Barbell from 2012 thought 2016.Jacobs earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology – exercise science from Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2016. He obtained a master’s degree in kinesiology – pedagogy and psychological from LSU in 2018.Jacobs is a veteran of the United States Army, having spent time as a team leader from 2003 to 2007. During his tenure in the military, he was directly in charge of educating, training and supervising personnel on all tactics, standard operating procedures (SOP) and weapon systems. He served combat rotations to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.Jacobs owns certifications as a strength and conditioning specialist and strength and conditioning coach from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and Collegiate Strength &amp; Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa), respectively. He is also a Level 1 USA weightlifting sports performance coach and a functional range conditioning specialist. In addition, he is CPR/AED/First Aid certified.Jacobs and his wife, Alyssa, have a daughter, Beau, and two sons, Fitzgerald and Milo.THE JEREMY JACOBS FILEHometown:&nbsp;Waukesha, WisconsinCollege:&nbsp;Wisconsin-Milwaukee – Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology-exercise science (2016); LSU – Master’s degree in kinesiology-pedagogy and psychological (2018)Family:&nbsp;Wife: Alyssa; Children: Beau, Fitzgerald, MiloJEREMY JACOBS’ COACHING CAREER2014-16, Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Student Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach)2016-17, LSU (Graduate Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach)2018-19, LSU (Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning)2020-21, LSU (Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning)2022-23, Duke (Associate Director of Football Strength and Conditioning/Director of Football Applied Sports Science)2024-25, Texas A&amp;M (Associate Director of Football Strength and Conditioning/Director of Football Applied Sports Science)

🏈 K-State Hires Jeremy Jacobs as Director of Strength and Conditioning

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;An experienced skill position coach with eight years of work at Power 4 schools after a highly-successful stint as a high school head coach,&nbsp;Cory Patterson&nbsp;has been hired as Kansas State’s running backs coach, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Tuesday.

Patterson most recently coached the running backs during the 2025 season at Oklahoma State, while he also worked at Illinois coaching tight ends (2018-20) and running backs (2021-22), and he was the associate head coach and wide receivers coach at Purdue (2023-24).

“I am excited about the opportunity to do something special here at K-State,” said Patterson. “There has been a tradition of great running back play here, so we have to keep the party going!”

Prior to his time working in college, Patterson was a successful high school coach in the St. Louis area, first as an assistant at Christian Brothers and Trinity Catholic before earning a 27-6 record and a state title as a head coach at Trinity Catholic.

“Coach Patterson has a great history of developing talent,” Klein said. “His passion for people is infectious, and he is a big part of where we are going offensively.”

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Patterson coached one of the most successful running backs in Illinois history as Chase Brown combined for 2,648 yards and 15 touchdowns over the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Patterson guided Brown to an All-America campaign and finalist status for the Doak Walker Award in 2022. That season, Brown rushed for 1,643 yards, an average of 136.9 yards per game to rank third in the country, while he produced a 100-yard rushing game on a nation-leading 10 occasions. Brown went on to be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft by Cincinnati and has been the Bengals’ starting running back each of the last two seasons.

In his first season as Illinois’ running back coach in 2021, Patterson coached Brown to the tune of 1,005 yards and five touchdowns as he became the program’s 14th 1,000-yard rusher en route to All-Big Ten honors. Brown’s season total was boasted by a 223-yard output during a 20-18 nine-overtime win at No. 7 Penn State – the longest game in college football history – as he produced the most rushing yards ever by an opponent at Beaver Stadium. Paired with his career-high 257 rushing yards earlier in 2021 against Charlotte, Brown joined Illini legends Howard Griffith (1990) and Rashard Mendenhall (2007) as the only players in program history with multiple 200-yard rushing games in a single season. The 2021 season also saw Patterson coach true freshman Josh McCray to two 100-yard games in a breakout season.

In 2019, Patterson helped Illinois earn a berth into the Redbox Bowl, marking the program’s first bowl appearance in five years. He also helped coach the Fighting Illini to one of the biggest upsets in Big Ten history, a 24-23 victory over No. 6 Wisconsin.

Last season at Oklahoma State, Patterson tutored five Cowboy running backs to a combined 1,172 yards and six touchdowns.

Prior to his time in Stillwater, Patterson served as the associate head coach and tutored the wide receivers at Purdue. He guided Deion Burks to All-Big Ten Second Team honors in 2023 as he led the Boilermakers in receptions (47), receiving yards (629) and touchdowns (7), the latter ranking fourth in the conference.

Patterson began his coaching career in the high school ranks, first as an assistant at Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis from 2009 to 2012, then at Trinity Catholic as an offensive coordinator in 2013 and 2014 before taking over as head coach from 2015 to 2017. Under Patterson, Trinity Catholic established itself as one of the top high school programs in St. Louis and the state of Missouri. He compiled a record of 27-6 in his three seasons at the helm – earning Archdiocesan Athletic Association (AAA) Conference Coach of the Year honors all three seasons – while he led the Titans to the 2016 Missouri Class 2 state title game.

Prior to entering coaching, Patterson worked in corporate accounting in St. Louis but also spent his time volunteering as a youth football coach at a local Boys &amp; Girls Club in the evenings. His passion to mentor young athletes drew him out of the corporate world and into coaching and teaching as a full-time profession.

Patterson played collegiately at Lindenwood before his career was cut short due to a leg injury. He obtained his undergraduate degree in finance from Lindenwood in 2002.

Patterson and his wife, Tiffany, have two daughters, Nyla and Nori.

Hometown:&nbsp;St. Louis, Missouri

College:&nbsp;Lindenwood – Bachelor’s degree in finance (2002)

Family:&nbsp;Wife: Tiffany; Children: Nyla, Nori

CORY PATTERSON’S COACHING CAREER

2009-12, Christian Brothers High School (Assistant Coach)

2013-14, Trinity Catholic High School (Offensive Coordinator)

2015-17, Trinity Catholic High School (Head Coach)

2023-24, Purdue (Associate Head Coach/Wide Receivers)

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;An experienced skill position coach with eight years of work at Power 4 schools after a highly-successful stint as a high school head coach,&nbsp;Cory Patterson&nbsp;has been hired as Kansas State’s running backs coach, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Tuesday.Patterson most recently coached the running backs during the 2025 season at Oklahoma State, while he also worked at Illinois coaching tight ends (2018-20) and running backs (2021-22), and he was the associate head coach and wide receivers coach at Purdue (2023-24).“I am excited about the opportunity to do something special here at K-State,” said Patterson. “There has been a tradition of great running back play here, so we have to keep the party going!”Prior to his time working in college, Patterson was a successful high school coach in the St. Louis area, first as an assistant at Christian Brothers and Trinity Catholic before earning a 27-6 record and a state title as a head coach at Trinity Catholic.“Coach Patterson has a great history of developing talent,” Klein said. “His passion for people is infectious, and he is a big part of where we are going offensively.”A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Patterson coached one of the most successful running backs in Illinois history as Chase Brown combined for 2,648 yards and 15 touchdowns over the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Patterson guided Brown to an All-America campaign and finalist status for the Doak Walker Award in 2022. That season, Brown rushed for 1,643 yards, an average of 136.9 yards per game to rank third in the country, while he produced a 100-yard rushing game on a nation-leading 10 occasions. Brown went on to be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft by Cincinnati and has been the Bengals’ starting running back each of the last two seasons.In his first season as Illinois’ running back coach in 2021, Patterson coached Brown to the tune of 1,005 yards and five touchdowns as he became the program’s 14th 1,000-yard rusher en route to All-Big Ten honors. Brown’s season total was boasted by a 223-yard output during a 20-18 nine-overtime win at No. 7 Penn State – the longest game in college football history – as he produced the most rushing yards ever by an opponent at Beaver Stadium. Paired with his career-high 257 rushing yards earlier in 2021 against Charlotte, Brown joined Illini legends Howard Griffith (1990) and Rashard Mendenhall (2007) as the only players in program history with multiple 200-yard rushing games in a single season. The 2021 season also saw Patterson coach true freshman Josh McCray to two 100-yard games in a breakout season.In 2019, Patterson helped Illinois earn a berth into the Redbox Bowl, marking the program’s first bowl appearance in five years. He also helped coach the Fighting Illini to one of the biggest upsets in Big Ten history, a 24-23 victory over No. 6 Wisconsin.Last season at Oklahoma State, Patterson tutored five Cowboy running backs to a combined 1,172 yards and six touchdowns.Prior to his time in Stillwater, Patterson served as the associate head coach and tutored the wide receivers at Purdue. He guided Deion Burks to All-Big Ten Second Team honors in 2023 as he led the Boilermakers in receptions (47), receiving yards (629) and touchdowns (7), the latter ranking fourth in the conference.Patterson began his coaching career in the high school ranks, first as an assistant at Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis from 2009 to 2012, then at Trinity Catholic as an offensive coordinator in 2013 and 2014 before taking over as head coach from 2015 to 2017. Under Patterson, Trinity Catholic established itself as one of the top high school programs in St. Louis and the state of Missouri. He compiled a record of 27-6 in his three seasons at the helm – earning Archdiocesan Athletic Association (AAA) Conference Coach of the Year honors all three seasons – while he led the Titans to the 2016 Missouri Class 2 state title game.Prior to entering coaching, Patterson worked in corporate accounting in St. Louis but also spent his time volunteering as a youth football coach at a local Boys &amp; Girls Club in the evenings. His passion to mentor young athletes drew him out of the corporate world and into coaching and teaching as a full-time profession.Patterson played collegiately at Lindenwood before his career was cut short due to a leg injury. He obtained his undergraduate degree in finance from Lindenwood in 2002.Patterson and his wife, Tiffany, have two daughters, Nyla and Nori.THE CORY PATTERSON FILEHometown:&nbsp;St. Louis, MissouriCollege:&nbsp;Lindenwood – Bachelor’s degree in finance (2002)Family:&nbsp;Wife: Tiffany; Children: Nyla, NoriPlaying Career:&nbsp;LindenwoodCORY PATTERSON’S COACHING CAREER2009-12, Christian Brothers High School (Assistant Coach)2013-14, Trinity Catholic High School (Offensive Coordinator)2015-17, Trinity Catholic High School (Head Coach)2018-20, Illinois (Tight Ends)2021-22, Illinois (Running Backs)2023-24, Purdue (Associate Head Coach/Wide Receivers)2025, Oklahoma State (Running Backs)

🏈 Cory Patterson to Serve as K-State’s Running Backs Coach

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday that he plans to return next season, batting away any thought of an impending retirement by making a tongue-in-cheek joke about his status with a franchise he has led to three Super Bowl titles.

“I mean, I think I’m coming back, right?” Reid told local Kansas City reporters on a Zoom call. “If they’ll have me back, I’ll come back. You never know in this business. That’s a tough one. But I plan on it, yeah.”

The 67-year-old Reid is accustomed to answering questions about his future in February, after the Chiefs have played in the Super Bowl, which they had done each of the past three years. But he’s less familiar with facing those questions in the final days of December, when the Chiefs have long since been eliminated from postseason contention.

Kansas City is 6-10 as it prepares for its season finale this weekend in Las Vegas.

Reid, who signed a five-year, $100 million extension with the Chiefs in April 2024, spent his first 14 seasons as an NFL head coach in Philadelphia, where he led the Eagles to 130 regular-season wins and 10 more in the playoffs. That included four seasons that ended in the NFC title game and another that ended with a loss in the Super Bowl.

Reid’s past 13 years have come in Kansas City, where he has won at an even greater clip.

With Alex Smith at quarterback the first five years and Patrick Mahomes under center since, the Chiefs have piled up 149 regular-season wins and gone 18-8 in the playoffs. This season will end streaks of 10 consecutive playoff trips, nine straight AFC West titles, seven consecutive AFC title game appearances and the past three years in the Super Bowl.

In five trips to the big game, Reid and Co. have brought three Lombardi Trophies back to Kansas City. Bill Belichick is the only coach with more Super Bowl rings, capturing six of them with Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Reid has 307 wins overall. He needs 18 to pass George Halas for third on the NFL’s career list behind Belichick and Don Shula.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762867637580.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Orchard Park. N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Orchard Park. N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday that he plans to return next season, batting away any thought of an impending retirement by making a tongue-in-cheek joke about his status with a franchise he has led to three Super Bowl titles.“I mean, I think I’m coming back, right?” Reid told local Kansas City reporters on a Zoom call. “If they’ll have me back, I’ll come back. You never know in this business. That’s a tough one. But I plan on it, yeah.”The 67-year-old Reid is accustomed to answering questions about his future in February, after the Chiefs have played in the Super Bowl, which they had done each of the past three years. But he’s less familiar with facing those questions in the final days of December, when the Chiefs have long since been eliminated from postseason contention.Kansas City is 6-10 as it prepares for its season finale this weekend in Las Vegas.Reid, who signed a five-year, $100 million extension with the Chiefs in April 2024, spent his first 14 seasons as an NFL head coach in Philadelphia, where he led the Eagles to 130 regular-season wins and 10 more in the playoffs. That included four seasons that ended in the NFC title game and another that ended with a loss in the Super Bowl.Reid’s past 13 years have come in Kansas City, where he has won at an even greater clip.With Alex Smith at quarterback the first five years and Patrick Mahomes under center since, the Chiefs have piled up 149 regular-season wins and gone 18-8 in the playoffs. This season will end streaks of 10 consecutive playoff trips, nine straight AFC West titles, seven consecutive AFC title game appearances and the past three years in the Super Bowl.In five trips to the big game, Reid and Co. have brought three Lombardi Trophies back to Kansas City. Bill Belichick is the only coach with more Super Bowl rings, capturing six of them with Tom Brady and the Patriots.Reid has 307 wins overall. He needs 18 to pass George Halas for third on the NFL’s career list behind Belichick and Don Shula.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Andy Reid plans to return as Chiefs coach next season

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — PJ Haggerty scored 23 of his 24 points in the second half as Kansas State held on to defeat Louisiana-Monroe, 94-85 on Sunday.

Haggerty, who was third in the nation in scoring (22.8 points per game) entering the game, was 0-for-6 from the field in the first half. He went 7-for-10 (9-for-9 on free throws) the rest of the way to earn his ninth 20-point game of the year. He also grabbed eight rebounds to pace K-State.

Nate Johnson added 14 points and Abdi Bashir Jr. scored 11 for the Wildcats (9-4) as they finished their non-conference slate on a four-game winning streak.

ULM led for much of the first half until the Wildcats took the lead for good on David Castillo's three-pointer that started an 8-0 run. K-State led 46-36 at the half, and stretched their lead to as many as 20 points in the second frame.

The Warhawks (3-11) were led by Krystian Lewis (25 points) and Lavell Brodnex (21 points, eight rebounds), and MJ Russell chipped in with 17 points.

K-State shot 47% from the field and 29% from deep, out-rebounded ULM 43-30, and got 28 bench points to ULM's 8.

Kansas State begins their Big 12 schedule on Saturday when they host BYU.

Louisiana-Monroe hosts Southern Miss on Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766959257356.png" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — PJ Haggerty scored 23 of his 24 points in the second half as Kansas State held on to defeat Louisiana-Monroe, 94-85 on Sunday.Haggerty, who was third in the nation in scoring (22.8 points per game) entering the game, was 0-for-6 from the field in the first half. He went 7-for-10 (9-for-9 on free throws) the rest of the way to earn his ninth 20-point game of the year. He also grabbed eight rebounds to pace K-State.Nate Johnson added 14 points and Abdi Bashir Jr. scored 11 for the Wildcats (9-4) as they finished their non-conference slate on a four-game winning streak.ULM led for much of the first half until the Wildcats took the lead for good on David Castillo's three-pointer that started an 8-0 run. K-State led 46-36 at the half, and stretched their lead to as many as 20 points in the second frame.The Warhawks (3-11) were led by Krystian Lewis (25 points) and Lavell Brodnex (21 points, eight rebounds), and MJ Russell chipped in with 17 points.K-State shot 47% from the field and 29% from deep, out-rebounded ULM 43-30, and got 28 bench points to ULM's 8.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State begins their Big 12 schedule on Saturday when they host BYU.Louisiana-Monroe hosts Southern Miss on Thursday.

🏀 Haggerty's big second-half leads K-State past Louisiana-Monroe

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Broncos coach Sean Payton sent his offense back onto the field on fourth down Thursday night, the ball inside the Kansas City Chiefs' 10-yard line and less than 2 minutes left on the clock — and no intention of ever snapping it.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones didn't know that. And when he jumped, and the offsides penalty gave Denver a fresh set of down, Bo Nix needed a mere three more plays to hit R.J. Harvey with the go-ahead touchdown pass in a 20-13 victory Thursday night.

One secured when the Broncos made one last stop in the closing second at their end of the field.

“We were going to take the delay-of-game,” Payton said afterward. “Obviously that changed the complexion of the clock, and that was a big play. We were going to take the penalty and kick the field goal. That was the plan.”

Now, the Broncos (13-3) are one step closer to locking up the AFC West, which they can do while watching at home if Houston beats the Chargers on Saturday. They also have a chance to still land the No. 1 seed and first-round playoff bye.

“It would be relaxing,” Payton said of clinching this weekend. “It would be nice.”

Nix also ran for a touchdown while throwing for 182 yards as the Broncos beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium for the first time since September 17, 2015. They also have won four of the last five in the series following a string of 16 consecutive losses.

“It's great to get that win," Payton said. “You always have to remember this: You're playing the heart of a champion, Andy Reid and this team. I don't care who comes out of that locker room. This is a team that basically has been at the top of our league for the better part of this century, and there's a ton of respect we have for what they've been able to accomplish.”

Third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-travis-kelce-fc73aef71f5c8d0a026cdf486d885cf8">tight end Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;tried to give Kansas City a chance in the final seconds, driving quickly down field after the Broncos had taken the lead. But a third-down pass at the Denver 26 was just out of Kelce's reach, and Oladokun overthrew Marquise Brown in the end zone on fourth down to seal the outcome.

The Chiefs (6-10) were missing Patrick Mahomes and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, both of whom tore ligaments in their knees in back-to-back weeks, and were left to watch the game together from a suite. They also were missing Rashee Rice and several players on both sides of the ball that had been so crucial to their three straight Super Bowl trips.

Oladokun wound up with 66 yards passing. Kelce had five catches for 36 of those yards in what might have been the last game played by the Pro Bowl tight end at Arrowhead Stadium — he plans to announce soon after the season whether he is retiring.

“I’ll let that be a decision I’ll make with my family, friends, the Chiefs organization when the time comes," Kelce said.

The Broncos were nearly two-touchdown favorites, according to BetMGM, yet the Chiefs may have been inspired by hearing about the Vikings, who earlier in the day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-vikings-score-3d9f572ff2afb9031d1a1b5b63140887">knocked off the favored Lions</a>&nbsp;behind their defense and their own third-string quarterback.

After giving up a grinding, 14-play drive that soaked up more than half the first quarter and net the Broncos a field goal, Kansas City allowed little else through the first 30 minutes. And along the way, a defense put its top two cornerbacks on injured reserve this week managed to pick off Nix, setting up a short field that Oladokun converted into his first career touchdown throw.

It also happened to be Brashard Smith's first career touchdown catch.

The Broncos tried to answer with another 8-plus minute drive late in the half, but Courtland Sutton dropped a would-be touchdown toss in the closing seconds, and Wil Lutz had to kick his second chip-shot field goal to make it 7-6 at the break.

Denver finally got one of its long, time-consuming drives into the end zone in the third quarter, though. The Chiefs had pushed the lead to 10-6 when the Broncos churned through 72 yards in nearly 10 minutes, and Nix finished by scrambling nine yards for the score.

And the inability of the Kansas City offense to do much of anything was its undoing.

The Chiefs managed just 16 yards on their first three possessions of the second half, and that gave the Broncos a chance. They drove 65 yards late in the fourth quarter, twice converting on third down and then getting a fourth-down gift when Jones went early inside the 10-yard line, allowing Nix to find Harvey in the back of the end zone for the eventual winning score.

“We just did what we had to do,” Nix said.

Broncos: C Luke Wattenberg (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve earlier in the day.

Chiefs: WR Nikko Remigio (knee) was placed on IR. OL Jaylon Moore (knee) and DT Derrick Nnadi (illness) were inactive.

Denver wraps up the regular season next week against the Chargers.

Kansas City finishes its season next week in Las Vegas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766746328379.png" alt="Photo courtesy Denver Broncos" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Denver Broncos</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Broncos coach Sean Payton sent his offense back onto the field on fourth down Thursday night, the ball inside the Kansas City Chiefs' 10-yard line and less than 2 minutes left on the clock — and no intention of ever snapping it.Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones didn't know that. And when he jumped, and the offsides penalty gave Denver a fresh set of down, Bo Nix needed a mere three more plays to hit R.J. Harvey with the go-ahead touchdown pass in a 20-13 victory Thursday night.One secured when the Broncos made one last stop in the closing second at their end of the field.“We were going to take the delay-of-game,” Payton said afterward. “Obviously that changed the complexion of the clock, and that was a big play. We were going to take the penalty and kick the field goal. That was the plan.”Now, the Broncos (13-3) are one step closer to locking up the AFC West, which they can do while watching at home if Houston beats the Chargers on Saturday. They also have a chance to still land the No. 1 seed and first-round playoff bye.“It would be relaxing,” Payton said of clinching this weekend. “It would be nice.”Nix also ran for a touchdown while throwing for 182 yards as the Broncos beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium for the first time since September 17, 2015. They also have won four of the last five in the series following a string of 16 consecutive losses.“It's great to get that win," Payton said. “You always have to remember this: You're playing the heart of a champion, Andy Reid and this team. I don't care who comes out of that locker room. This is a team that basically has been at the top of our league for the better part of this century, and there's a ton of respect we have for what they've been able to accomplish.”Third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-travis-kelce-fc73aef71f5c8d0a026cdf486d885cf8">tight end Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;tried to give Kansas City a chance in the final seconds, driving quickly down field after the Broncos had taken the lead. But a third-down pass at the Denver 26 was just out of Kelce's reach, and Oladokun overthrew Marquise Brown in the end zone on fourth down to seal the outcome.The Chiefs (6-10) were missing Patrick Mahomes and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, both of whom tore ligaments in their knees in back-to-back weeks, and were left to watch the game together from a suite. They also were missing Rashee Rice and several players on both sides of the ball that had been so crucial to their three straight Super Bowl trips.Oladokun wound up with 66 yards passing. Kelce had five catches for 36 of those yards in what might have been the last game played by the Pro Bowl tight end at Arrowhead Stadium — he plans to announce soon after the season whether he is retiring.“I’ll let that be a decision I’ll make with my family, friends, the Chiefs organization when the time comes," Kelce said.The Broncos were nearly two-touchdown favorites, according to BetMGM, yet the Chiefs may have been inspired by hearing about the Vikings, who earlier in the day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-vikings-score-3d9f572ff2afb9031d1a1b5b63140887">knocked off the favored Lions</a>&nbsp;behind their defense and their own third-string quarterback.After giving up a grinding, 14-play drive that soaked up more than half the first quarter and net the Broncos a field goal, Kansas City allowed little else through the first 30 minutes. And along the way, a defense put its top two cornerbacks on injured reserve this week managed to pick off Nix, setting up a short field that Oladokun converted into his first career touchdown throw.It also happened to be Brashard Smith's first career touchdown catch.The Broncos tried to answer with another 8-plus minute drive late in the half, but Courtland Sutton dropped a would-be touchdown toss in the closing seconds, and Wil Lutz had to kick his second chip-shot field goal to make it 7-6 at the break.Denver finally got one of its long, time-consuming drives into the end zone in the third quarter, though. The Chiefs had pushed the lead to 10-6 when the Broncos churned through 72 yards in nearly 10 minutes, and Nix finished by scrambling nine yards for the score.And the inability of the Kansas City offense to do much of anything was its undoing.The Chiefs managed just 16 yards on their first three possessions of the second half, and that gave the Broncos a chance. They drove 65 yards late in the fourth quarter, twice converting on third down and then getting a fourth-down gift when Jones went early inside the 10-yard line, allowing Nix to find Harvey in the back of the end zone for the eventual winning score.“We just did what we had to do,” Nix said.<h2>Injuries</h2>Broncos: C Luke Wattenberg (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve earlier in the day.Chiefs: WR Nikko Remigio (knee) was placed on IR. OL Jaylon Moore (knee) and DT Derrick Nnadi (illness) were inactive.<h2>Up next</h2>Denver wraps up the regular season next week against the Chargers.Kansas City finishes its season next week in Las Vegas.

🏈 Defense lifts Broncos to win over the Chiefs on Christmas

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, a couple of injury things here. Trent McDuffie won’t practice today, Nikko (Remigio) has a – his knee is swollen, so he won’t practice today, Rashee (Rice) won’t practice, still in the protocol. Tyquan (Thornton) is still in the protocol, and the Jaylen Watson has a muscle injury in his groin area. With that, we look forward to the challenge of playing Denver, a good football team, well coached (and) good players.”

Q: What did you see from the team’s performance and effort against the Titans?

REID:&nbsp;“This group here, I thought our guys played hard against them. It’s a good rival.”

Q: How much do you use the playbook when working with backup quarterbacks?

REID:&nbsp;“You back it up a bit, formation wise. You got a lot of guys who are new to it and learning. We’re still able to do enough for sure.”

Q: What will Patrick Mahomes’ role be if anything against the Broncos? Will he sit in a booth?

REID:&nbsp;“If he (Patrick Mahomes) can, it’s still fairly short after the surgery. He definitely won’t be on the sideline, although he’d like to be, but he can’t do that right now.”

Q: Has Patrick Mahomes been in any team meetings?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Patrick Mahomes) not in the meetings. He’s been getting treatment and kind of getting settled. That’s not an easy recovery, but he’s pounding through it and doing a nice job at that part.”

Q: If this is Travis Kelce’s last game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium what does that mean to you?

REID:&nbsp;“I don’t know if it is or not. I haven’t talked to him (Travis Kelce). I think his numbers and personality and the person I think speak for themselves. Phenomenal person (and) great for the community – has been great for the community. He’s everything you want from a player representing an organization.”

Q: How much have you thought about the Chiefs Stadium news?

REID:&nbsp;“I followed it. I think it’s phenomenal news. I went through this in Philadelphia where we had one of these deals. It doesn’t matter if it’s here or Kansas, we’re not moving to Florida or somewhere else, we’re right here. We’ve always had Kansas people come here to the Missouri side, and it will be likewise the other way. That’s the beautiful thing about it. Plus, it will be a beautiful facility and something the fans will be very proud of. It will be definitely loud, and those will be exciting times there.”

Q: What did you learn about Chris Oladokun based on his performance against Tennessee?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Chris Oladokun) looks forward to every week. He prepares himself every week to go. So, that’s been an easy transition for us with the verbiage and such. So, he jumps in and gets it. He sits behind the offensive drill there, they mock it – the two quarterbacks. The quarterbacks mock as if they’re there, and they make the calls to (Quarterbacks Coach) David (Girardi) and then go about it. They stay fresh on that, and he’s in a pretty good position that way.”

Q: Do you see any similarities between Chris Oladokun and Patrick Mahomes?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he spends times at it (Chris Oladokun). When he’s a backup, he does the same thing. He doesn’t have to change a whole lot for this part because he prepares himself that way anyways. Pat’s (Mahomes) a great example of how to go about it, and he’s (Chris Oladokun) watched him (Patrick Mahomes) close and he’s followed right in suit there.”

Q: Will we see Dameon Pierce play this week?

REID:&nbsp;“Probably not this week – probably not this week. We’ll see about the following week.”

Q: How would you evaluate Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy this year?

REID:&nbsp;“Phenomenal. We were on a record pace there for a bit as far as statically. He (Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy) does a nice job there.”

Q: What do you see for&nbsp;<a>Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy</a>’s future?

REID:&nbsp;“I think he (Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy) deserves to be a head football coach in this league. That’s exciting for him.”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Happy Holidays. (I) don’t have a lot, (it’s a) quick week, on to the next opponent. I’ll just open it up and let you fire away.”

Q: You could be without Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson this week. How much of a challenge does that make Courtland Sutton?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Oh yeah, that’s pretty – that’s a no brainer, right? Big 6’4” target, but yeah, I think Kristian’s (Fulton) played against him (Courtland Sutton) before in other years, and Nohl (Williams) will be out there, and we’ll try to get some other guys – Josh Williams might have to step up and play a little bit for us but yeah, big target. We’ll have to find a way to limit his catches although I know whether he’s covered or not, I think the quarterback has a lot of confidence in throwing to him so I’m sure the ball’s going to go that way at some point.”

Q: Are you eyeing next year for more defensive snaps for Jeffrey Bassa?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“No, we’ve got everybody ready to go in this particular game. We’ll see how the game goes and which way we go with the substitution but just like Jack (Cochrane) got some snaps last week and Cooper McDonald did. I think, Jeff (Bassa), we’ll try to work him in there as well.”

Q: What do you attribute to Bryan Cook’s big jump from year three to year four?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I’m glad you brought Bryan (Cook) up. He’s been solid all year long, and listen, he runs the show back there. Him and (Nick) Bolton are a part of a lot of communication and getting guys on the right page. I think he’s done a really outstanding job tackling. I mean, he’s a safety – you’ve got to see it. He’ll come up and hit; he’s a big guy. I’m really pleased with the solid year that he’s had.”

Q:&nbsp;What separates Chris Oladokun from other third string quarterbacks?

NAGY:&nbsp;“I like where he’s (Chris Oladokun) at mentally understanding this playbook. He’s into his third year – third full year with us. He understands the language. It is different being able to understand it, it’s harder when you have to go to the line of scrimmage with guys chasing you (and) you have calls you have to make. It’s one thing when you’re watching tape with a remote and you’re looking at the television and you can make your ID calls, and your protection calls and stuff like that. When you get out there, and you’re not looking birds eye view, its loud (and) there’s a lot of stuff that goes into that. I felt that part he’s done really well in practice, and I thought the game last week there were a few things here or there but we’ll have a tall task on Christmas night. But I know the guys have really put in some good time and I think he’s ready for it.”

Q:&nbsp;On Travis Kelce’s level of play.

NAGY:&nbsp;“He’s (Travis Kelce) doing great. There’s going to be some routes that he ran really really well as a third (or) fourth year into the league. But what he uses now is he’s savvy with his mental. These guys see what he does and he’s able to set guys up. He’s having a great year right now and I think that’s what’s so special in his leadership skills. The way he leads these guys is second to none. It’s been a tough year, it hurts to be where we’re at right now. We understand the frustration, it’s difficult (and) it’s not fun. When you go through these times, I think in the end one of the things I’ll think back on Trav and these other vets is how they’re handling this moment right now, which is not fun or easy. They’re handling it like true pros and I’ll always remember that.”

Q:&nbsp;On Jalen Royals getting more reps.

NAGY:&nbsp;“I don’t think it hurts at all. I think it would be good for him (Jalen Royals) to get some reps and get out there and see what he can do. He had a great preseason for us and like I said before a little bit of a redshirt year for him but he has a lot of talent. You saw it on tape in school and then he put it in preseason and unfortunately had a little bit of that injury he had to fix at that front end, but I think now is a good time to be able to try and get him some reps. We’re trying to do that and it’s never easy but for sure it's something we want to do.”

Q:&nbsp;What does it mean to be named to the Pro Bowl team?

JONES:&nbsp;“That I have a really really really good supporting cast around me. It doesn’t happen without those guys. I’m super grateful and super appreciative of the fact that my peers and the fans still consider me a Pro Bowler in this league.”

Q:&nbsp;What does that hour in the locker room after a win mean to you?

JONES:&nbsp;“It feels really really good, especially after a week of preparation and game planning. Then to be able to be successful with it and come out with a W, that speaks volumes to your group (and) to the dedication that the individuals put in. When it comes full circle and you’re able to get the results you want, then it’s like it was all worth it.”

Q:&nbsp;What have the last few days been like for you?

OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“It’s definitely been crazy, you know? Stuff happens fast in the league, people always say that. Definitely just been a lot of preparation, getting ready for this game. I’m super excited to go out there and show the world what I got.”

Q:&nbsp;Have you had communication with Patrick Mahomes?

OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“I’ve talked to Pat (Mahomes) and most of it is just lighthearted, but I know he’s (Patrick Mahomes) rooting for me. He’s got his own thing going on right now with rehab and stuff, so I know he’s rooting for me.”

Q:&nbsp;What does it mean to you to try and play spoiler against the Broncos?

OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“That’d be great. It would be a great Christmas, that’s for sure. It’d make the mood a lot lighter at home after the game, but we know we’re facing a great opponent in Denver. One of the best teams in the league right now, not only defensively, but offensively as well. We’ve definitely got our hands full, and I feel like he have a good plan to go out there and spoil that on Christmas.”

Q:&nbsp;How many family and friends will be at the game?

OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“I’ll have five at the game. I’ll have my little brother that plays for the Chargers actually, he’s (Jordan Oladokun) on the IR there and then my little sister, her boyfriend and then my mom and dad. Super fired up. It was a quick turnaround getting flights and stuff for them up here. Obviously, they didn’t think I’d be starting in the Christmas game so it’s pretty cool that they’ll be up here.”

Q:&nbsp;Was your family in Tennessee?

OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“They weren’t in Tennessee, but it’s crazy, one of my best friends back home, Jake Hampton, he hit me up at 8 p.m. the night before the game and was like; ‘hey man, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, it’s like a four hour drive (and) I’ll drive up and at least see you in uniform.’ I was like, alright cool and as he’s walking into the stadium, he said he looked up at the jumbotron and said: ‘Is that Chris (Oladokun) in?’ And yeah, there I was so it was pretty cool. It was pretty cool to have him there and at least I had some support there in Tennessee.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you look at this as an opportunity?

OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“It’s a huge opportunity and it’s something I don’t take lightly. These opportunities don’t come around often and so when you get them, take that and run with it. This is not only a big game for our team, but me personally a big game in terms of letting the league know what I can do and letting these coaches know what I do and moving forward, having that confidence in me if something were to happen that they feel confident that I can go out there and execute the game plan.”

Q:&nbsp;When watching tape, what do you think you did well?

OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“Especially early towards the game, getting us into field goal position and leading some scoring drives was great. Getting the ball out of my hand and sort of getting the ball to our playmakers, did well. (I) was able to extend a couple plays too for some big gains which is a big part of my game and something I always want to utilize. In terms of (improving) – I think just the little operation stuff, just making sure we get in and out of the huddle and don’t want to have any penalties whether it’s my cadence and me and the o-line getting on the same page, I think that’s something we can always clean up. But for a first outing, I felt really good (and) I felt really proud of myself and not only in myself but the guys were awesome with me, Trav (Kelce), Creed (Humphrey), Trey (Smith) (and) the whole o-line made (sure) every single drive we’re out there: ‘hey, we got your back man.’ When you have that confidence from those guys, it felt great.”

Q:&nbsp;The offensive line told you that?

OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“Yeah, every single drive. Trey (Smith) will look at me and be like: ‘I got your back, man.’ That just speaks to his (Trey Smith) character, our whole offense, our whole team that they just rally behind me like that.”

Q:&nbsp;On getting cut after training camp last season and not getting signed for a few months.

OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“That was a different experience for me. I was in a different city every single week, working out. I believe I worked out with seven or eight teams, so I was just constantly in hotels and getting flights and stuff like that. You’re sitting at home with your buddies on Sundays watching games and you’re like: ‘Man, I really used to be out there on those Sundays.’ So, it definitely makes you appreciate any opportunity you have to be in this league, no matter if it’s active roster (or) practice squad. It is hard to play in the NFL and it’s hard to stick on rosters. But also internally, it really motivated me. Made me look at myself in the mirror and see what I need to get better at physically and mentally and I think I had a really good plan with my QB coach back home, C.J. Bennett. We sort of attacked and I said if I get another chance, I won’t let it slip.”

Q:&nbsp;Is there a little bit more electricity when preparing as a starter?

OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“100%. There’s a little more electricity just because I’m the guy actually going through it. But in terms of preparation, my preparation hasn’t changed. It’s been the same for the last four years. I’ve taken my routine from guys like Chad Henne when I first got here my rookie year. Obviously, Pat (Mahomes), I sit next to him every single day and watch how he goes about his work. I sort of just stay in my routine, that’s where I feel comfortable and just know when they call that first group out there at practice, I’m not the one sitting there I’m actually running out there.”

Q: What’s it like having Shane Buechele back?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesDecember 23, 2025OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, a couple of injury things here. Trent McDuffie won’t practice today, Nikko (Remigio) has a – his knee is swollen, so he won’t practice today, Rashee (Rice) won’t practice, still in the protocol. Tyquan (Thornton) is still in the protocol, and the Jaylen Watson has a muscle injury in his groin area. With that, we look forward to the challenge of playing Denver, a good football team, well coached (and) good players.”Q: What did you see from the team’s performance and effort against the Titans?REID:&nbsp;“This group here, I thought our guys played hard against them. It’s a good rival.”Q: How much do you use the playbook when working with backup quarterbacks?REID:&nbsp;“You back it up a bit, formation wise. You got a lot of guys who are new to it and learning. We’re still able to do enough for sure.”Q: What will Patrick Mahomes’ role be if anything against the Broncos? Will he sit in a booth?REID:&nbsp;“If he (Patrick Mahomes) can, it’s still fairly short after the surgery. He definitely won’t be on the sideline, although he’d like to be, but he can’t do that right now.”Q: Has Patrick Mahomes been in any team meetings?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Patrick Mahomes) not in the meetings. He’s been getting treatment and kind of getting settled. That’s not an easy recovery, but he’s pounding through it and doing a nice job at that part.”Q: If this is Travis Kelce’s last game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium what does that mean to you?REID:&nbsp;“I don’t know if it is or not. I haven’t talked to him (Travis Kelce). I think his numbers and personality and the person I think speak for themselves. Phenomenal person (and) great for the community – has been great for the community. He’s everything you want from a player representing an organization.”Q: How much have you thought about the Chiefs Stadium news?REID:&nbsp;“I followed it. I think it’s phenomenal news. I went through this in Philadelphia where we had one of these deals. It doesn’t matter if it’s here or Kansas, we’re not moving to Florida or somewhere else, we’re right here. We’ve always had Kansas people come here to the Missouri side, and it will be likewise the other way. That’s the beautiful thing about it. Plus, it will be a beautiful facility and something the fans will be very proud of. It will be definitely loud, and those will be exciting times there.”Q: What did you learn about Chris Oladokun based on his performance against Tennessee?REID:&nbsp;“He (Chris Oladokun) looks forward to every week. He prepares himself every week to go. So, that’s been an easy transition for us with the verbiage and such. So, he jumps in and gets it. He sits behind the offensive drill there, they mock it – the two quarterbacks. The quarterbacks mock as if they’re there, and they make the calls to (Quarterbacks Coach) David (Girardi) and then go about it. They stay fresh on that, and he’s in a pretty good position that way.”Q: Do you see any similarities between Chris Oladokun and Patrick Mahomes?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he spends times at it (Chris Oladokun). When he’s a backup, he does the same thing. He doesn’t have to change a whole lot for this part because he prepares himself that way anyways. Pat’s (Mahomes) a great example of how to go about it, and he’s (Chris Oladokun) watched him (Patrick Mahomes) close and he’s followed right in suit there.”Q: Will we see Dameon Pierce play this week?REID:&nbsp;“Probably not this week – probably not this week. We’ll see about the following week.”Q: How would you evaluate Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy this year?REID:&nbsp;“Phenomenal. We were on a record pace there for a bit as far as statically. He (Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy) does a nice job there.”Q: What do you see for&nbsp;<a>Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy</a>’s future?REID:&nbsp;“I think he (Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy) deserves to be a head football coach in this league. That’s exciting for him.”Chiefs Coordinator QuotesDecember 23, 2025DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Happy Holidays. (I) don’t have a lot, (it’s a) quick week, on to the next opponent. I’ll just open it up and let you fire away.”Q: You could be without Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson this week. How much of a challenge does that make Courtland Sutton?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Oh yeah, that’s pretty – that’s a no brainer, right? Big 6’4” target, but yeah, I think Kristian’s (Fulton) played against him (Courtland Sutton) before in other years, and Nohl (Williams) will be out there, and we’ll try to get some other guys – Josh Williams might have to step up and play a little bit for us but yeah, big target. We’ll have to find a way to limit his catches although I know whether he’s covered or not, I think the quarterback has a lot of confidence in throwing to him so I’m sure the ball’s going to go that way at some point.”Q: Are you eyeing next year for more defensive snaps for Jeffrey Bassa?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“No, we’ve got everybody ready to go in this particular game. We’ll see how the game goes and which way we go with the substitution but just like Jack (Cochrane) got some snaps last week and Cooper McDonald did. I think, Jeff (Bassa), we’ll try to work him in there as well.”Q: What do you attribute to Bryan Cook’s big jump from year three to year four?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I’m glad you brought Bryan (Cook) up. He’s been solid all year long, and listen, he runs the show back there. Him and (Nick) Bolton are a part of a lot of communication and getting guys on the right page. I think he’s done a really outstanding job tackling. I mean, he’s a safety – you’ve got to see it. He’ll come up and hit; he’s a big guy. I’m really pleased with the solid year that he’s had.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ:&nbsp;What separates Chris Oladokun from other third string quarterbacks?NAGY:&nbsp;“I like where he’s (Chris Oladokun) at mentally understanding this playbook. He’s into his third year – third full year with us. He understands the language. It is different being able to understand it, it’s harder when you have to go to the line of scrimmage with guys chasing you (and) you have calls you have to make. It’s one thing when you’re watching tape with a remote and you’re looking at the television and you can make your ID calls, and your protection calls and stuff like that. When you get out there, and you’re not looking birds eye view, its loud (and) there’s a lot of stuff that goes into that. I felt that part he’s done really well in practice, and I thought the game last week there were a few things here or there but we’ll have a tall task on Christmas night. But I know the guys have really put in some good time and I think he’s ready for it.”Q:&nbsp;On Travis Kelce’s level of play.NAGY:&nbsp;“He’s (Travis Kelce) doing great. There’s going to be some routes that he ran really really well as a third (or) fourth year into the league. But what he uses now is he’s savvy with his mental. These guys see what he does and he’s able to set guys up. He’s having a great year right now and I think that’s what’s so special in his leadership skills. The way he leads these guys is second to none. It’s been a tough year, it hurts to be where we’re at right now. We understand the frustration, it’s difficult (and) it’s not fun. When you go through these times, I think in the end one of the things I’ll think back on Trav and these other vets is how they’re handling this moment right now, which is not fun or easy. They’re handling it like true pros and I’ll always remember that.”Q:&nbsp;On Jalen Royals getting more reps.NAGY:&nbsp;“I don’t think it hurts at all. I think it would be good for him (Jalen Royals) to get some reps and get out there and see what he can do. He had a great preseason for us and like I said before a little bit of a redshirt year for him but he has a lot of talent. You saw it on tape in school and then he put it in preseason and unfortunately had a little bit of that injury he had to fix at that front end, but I think now is a good time to be able to try and get him some reps. We’re trying to do that and it’s never easy but for sure it's something we want to do.”Chiefs Player QuotesDecember 23, 2025DT CHRIS JONESQ:&nbsp;What does it mean to be named to the Pro Bowl team?JONES:&nbsp;“That I have a really really really good supporting cast around me. It doesn’t happen without those guys. I’m super grateful and super appreciative of the fact that my peers and the fans still consider me a Pro Bowler in this league.”Q:&nbsp;What does that hour in the locker room after a win mean to you?JONES:&nbsp;“It feels really really good, especially after a week of preparation and game planning. Then to be able to be successful with it and come out with a W, that speaks volumes to your group (and) to the dedication that the individuals put in. When it comes full circle and you’re able to get the results you want, then it’s like it was all worth it.”QB CHRIS OLADOKUNQ:&nbsp;What have the last few days been like for you?OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“It’s definitely been crazy, you know? Stuff happens fast in the league, people always say that. Definitely just been a lot of preparation, getting ready for this game. I’m super excited to go out there and show the world what I got.”Q:&nbsp;Have you had communication with Patrick Mahomes?OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“I’ve talked to Pat (Mahomes) and most of it is just lighthearted, but I know he’s (Patrick Mahomes) rooting for me. He’s got his own thing going on right now with rehab and stuff, so I know he’s rooting for me.”Q:&nbsp;What does it mean to you to try and play spoiler against the Broncos?OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“That’d be great. It would be a great Christmas, that’s for sure. It’d make the mood a lot lighter at home after the game, but we know we’re facing a great opponent in Denver. One of the best teams in the league right now, not only defensively, but offensively as well. We’ve definitely got our hands full, and I feel like he have a good plan to go out there and spoil that on Christmas.”Q:&nbsp;How many family and friends will be at the game?OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“I’ll have five at the game. I’ll have my little brother that plays for the Chargers actually, he’s (Jordan Oladokun) on the IR there and then my little sister, her boyfriend and then my mom and dad. Super fired up. It was a quick turnaround getting flights and stuff for them up here. Obviously, they didn’t think I’d be starting in the Christmas game so it’s pretty cool that they’ll be up here.”Q:&nbsp;Was your family in Tennessee?OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“They weren’t in Tennessee, but it’s crazy, one of my best friends back home, Jake Hampton, he hit me up at 8 p.m. the night before the game and was like; ‘hey man, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, it’s like a four hour drive (and) I’ll drive up and at least see you in uniform.’ I was like, alright cool and as he’s walking into the stadium, he said he looked up at the jumbotron and said: ‘Is that Chris (Oladokun) in?’ And yeah, there I was so it was pretty cool. It was pretty cool to have him there and at least I had some support there in Tennessee.”Q:&nbsp;How do you look at this as an opportunity?OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“It’s a huge opportunity and it’s something I don’t take lightly. These opportunities don’t come around often and so when you get them, take that and run with it. This is not only a big game for our team, but me personally a big game in terms of letting the league know what I can do and letting these coaches know what I do and moving forward, having that confidence in me if something were to happen that they feel confident that I can go out there and execute the game plan.”Q:&nbsp;When watching tape, what do you think you did well?OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“Especially early towards the game, getting us into field goal position and leading some scoring drives was great. Getting the ball out of my hand and sort of getting the ball to our playmakers, did well. (I) was able to extend a couple plays too for some big gains which is a big part of my game and something I always want to utilize. In terms of (improving) – I think just the little operation stuff, just making sure we get in and out of the huddle and don’t want to have any penalties whether it’s my cadence and me and the o-line getting on the same page, I think that’s something we can always clean up. But for a first outing, I felt really good (and) I felt really proud of myself and not only in myself but the guys were awesome with me, Trav (Kelce), Creed (Humphrey), Trey (Smith) (and) the whole o-line made (sure) every single drive we’re out there: ‘hey, we got your back man.’ When you have that confidence from those guys, it felt great.”Q:&nbsp;The offensive line told you that?OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“Yeah, every single drive. Trey (Smith) will look at me and be like: ‘I got your back, man.’ That just speaks to his (Trey Smith) character, our whole offense, our whole team that they just rally behind me like that.”Q:&nbsp;On getting cut after training camp last season and not getting signed for a few months.OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“That was a different experience for me. I was in a different city every single week, working out. I believe I worked out with seven or eight teams, so I was just constantly in hotels and getting flights and stuff like that. You’re sitting at home with your buddies on Sundays watching games and you’re like: ‘Man, I really used to be out there on those Sundays.’ So, it definitely makes you appreciate any opportunity you have to be in this league, no matter if it’s active roster (or) practice squad. It is hard to play in the NFL and it’s hard to stick on rosters. But also internally, it really motivated me. Made me look at myself in the mirror and see what I need to get better at physically and mentally and I think I had a really good plan with my QB coach back home, C.J. Bennett. We sort of attacked and I said if I get another chance, I won’t let it slip.”Q:&nbsp;Is there a little bit more electricity when preparing as a starter?OLADOKUN:&nbsp;“100%. There’s a little more electricity just because I’m the guy actually going through it. But in terms of preparation, my preparation hasn’t changed. It’s been the same for the last four years. I’ve taken my routine from guys like Chad Henne when I first got here my rookie year. Obviously, Pat (Mahomes), I sit next to him every single day and watch how he goes about his work. I sort of just stay in my routine, that’s where I feel comfortable and just know when they call that first group out there at practice, I’m not the one sitting there I’m actually running out there.”Q: What’s it like having Shane Buechele back?

Chiefs Qutoes: 12-23-25

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A 24-year coaching veteran who has 13 years of coordinator experience,&nbsp;Jeremiah Johnson&nbsp;has been hired as a defensive backs coach at Kansas State, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Wednesday.

Johnson comes to Manhattan after serving one season as the defensive coordinator at Coastal Carolina in addition to being the Chanticleers’ interim head coach for the Independence Bowl against Louisiana Tech, which will be played next Tuesday.

“When Coach Klein called about joining his staff, it was a no brainer,” said Johnson, who worked with Klein during the 2016 season at Northern Iowa. “Having the opportunity to help him execute his vision for this program is exciting, and I am humbled and honored to work alongside one of the best coaches, leaders and humans in this business. It’s an added bonus that I am able to return to my home state. Nicki, Lane, Drew and I are so grateful to Collin and Shalin for bringing us on their journey and making us a part of their Wildcat Family. Team Johnson is fired up to get to Manhattan and get to work. Go Cats!”

Johnson has also served as a defensive coordinator at Northern Iowa (2014-2021, 2023), Kent State (2022) and Louisiana Tech (2024).

“Jeremiah is one of the best teachers of the game of football I have been around,” said Klein. “He is a relentless recruiter and a program builder. I am very excited to have him on our staff.”

This season, Johnson has helped Coastal advance to its sixth-straight bowl game as the Chanticleers rank 16th nationally and second in the Sun Belt in fourth down defense (40.0%) and 31st in fumble recoveries (8). He has helped Xamarion Gordon to a No. 2 national ranking in fumble recoveries (3) and a No. 5 ranking in the conference in interceptions (3). Myles Woods also had three interceptions on the year, while Johnson has coached Ezekiel Durham-Campbell to a No. 7 ranking in the conference in sacks (0.46 per game).

The Johnson-led Louisiana Tech defense in 2024 ranked 12th nationally in total defense, surrendering only 308.4 yards per game. It was a 98-spot improvement over where the Bulldogs finished in 2023, while his unit also produced a 91-place improvement in scoring defense (21.0 points per game) as they finished at No. 26. Additionally, Johnson led La Tech to an 88-place bump in rushing defense (135.5 yards per game) to rank 44th.

Outside of a one-year hiatus in which he served the 2022 season as Kent State’s defensive coordinator, Johnson coached for 16 seasons at Northern Iowa, spending the 2007 through 2021 seasons – in addition to the 2023 campaign – in Cedar Falls. While at UNI, Johnson coached Panther defenders to a combined 32 All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) First Team honors, five MVFC Defensive Players of the Year, one Buck Buchanan Award winner, 15 Associated Press FCS All-America honors and seven American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-American accolades.

In 11 seasons as the UNI defensive coordinator, Johnson’s defenses ranked in the top 10 nationally in statistical categories 29 times, which included turnovers gained on six occasions (highest ranking of No. 2 in 2019 with 34), defensive touchdowns four times (highest ranking of No. 5 in 2016 and 2019 with 4) and scoring defense three times (best ranking of No. 6 at 15.3 points per game in the Spring of 2021). During his first run as defensive coordinator from 2014 through 2021, UNI ranked sixth in the FCS by allowing 19.9 points per game over a 99-game span. He was also named a finalist for the 2019 FootballScoop FCS Defensive Coordinator of the Year award.

The Panthers won four conference championships during Johnson’s time at UNI. Additionally, they made 10 FCS Playoff appearances and advanced past the first round in eight of 10 seasons, which included a semifinal showing in 2008 and quarterfinal appearances in 2015 and 2019.

Before being promoted to coordinator, Johnson coached the Northern Iowa defensive backs and served as the recruiting coordinator from 2009 through 2012. In 2007 and 2008, he was the video coordinator and assistant defensive backs coach.

Johnson went to UNI after working the 2003 through 2006 seasons at Loras College, serving on the same staff as former K-State head coach Chris Klieman. Johnson worked with the Duhawk defensive backs in 2003, 2004 and 2006, while he coached the wide receivers in 2005. Prior to his time at Loras, he was a graduate assistant and video coordinator at Wyoming in 2002.

A native of Scandia, Kansas, Johnson obtained his undergraduate degree in sports science from Kansas in 2000, while he earned a master’s degree in athletic administration from Loras in 2005.

Johnson and his five, Nicki, have a son, Lane, and a daughter, Drew.

College:&nbsp;Kansas – Bachelor’s degree in sports science (2000); Loras College – Master’s degree in athletic administration (2005)

Family:&nbsp;Wife: Nicki; Children: Lane, Drew

JEREMIAH JOHNSON’S COACHING CAREER

2002, Wyoming (Graduate Assistant/Video Coordinator)

2007-08, Northern Iowa (Video Coordinator/Assistant Defensive Backs Coach)

2009-12, Northern Iowa (Defensive Backs/Recruiting Coordinator)

2013-16, Northern Iowa (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers)

2017-21, Northern Iowa (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs)

2023, Northern Iowa (Defensive Coordinator)

2024, Louisiana Tech (Defensive Coordinator)

2025, Coastal Carolina (Defensive Coordinator/Interim Head Coach)

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A 24-year coaching veteran who has 13 years of coordinator experience,&nbsp;Jeremiah Johnson&nbsp;has been hired as a defensive backs coach at Kansas State, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Wednesday.Johnson comes to Manhattan after serving one season as the defensive coordinator at Coastal Carolina in addition to being the Chanticleers’ interim head coach for the Independence Bowl against Louisiana Tech, which will be played next Tuesday.“When Coach Klein called about joining his staff, it was a no brainer,” said Johnson, who worked with Klein during the 2016 season at Northern Iowa. “Having the opportunity to help him execute his vision for this program is exciting, and I am humbled and honored to work alongside one of the best coaches, leaders and humans in this business. It’s an added bonus that I am able to return to my home state. Nicki, Lane, Drew and I are so grateful to Collin and Shalin for bringing us on their journey and making us a part of their Wildcat Family. Team Johnson is fired up to get to Manhattan and get to work. Go Cats!”Johnson has also served as a defensive coordinator at Northern Iowa (2014-2021, 2023), Kent State (2022) and Louisiana Tech (2024).“Jeremiah is one of the best teachers of the game of football I have been around,” said Klein. “He is a relentless recruiter and a program builder. I am very excited to have him on our staff.”This season, Johnson has helped Coastal advance to its sixth-straight bowl game as the Chanticleers rank 16th nationally and second in the Sun Belt in fourth down defense (40.0%) and 31st in fumble recoveries (8). He has helped Xamarion Gordon to a No. 2 national ranking in fumble recoveries (3) and a No. 5 ranking in the conference in interceptions (3). Myles Woods also had three interceptions on the year, while Johnson has coached Ezekiel Durham-Campbell to a No. 7 ranking in the conference in sacks (0.46 per game).The Johnson-led Louisiana Tech defense in 2024 ranked 12th nationally in total defense, surrendering only 308.4 yards per game. It was a 98-spot improvement over where the Bulldogs finished in 2023, while his unit also produced a 91-place improvement in scoring defense (21.0 points per game) as they finished at No. 26. Additionally, Johnson led La Tech to an 88-place bump in rushing defense (135.5 yards per game) to rank 44th.Outside of a one-year hiatus in which he served the 2022 season as Kent State’s defensive coordinator, Johnson coached for 16 seasons at Northern Iowa, spending the 2007 through 2021 seasons – in addition to the 2023 campaign – in Cedar Falls. While at UNI, Johnson coached Panther defenders to a combined 32 All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) First Team honors, five MVFC Defensive Players of the Year, one Buck Buchanan Award winner, 15 Associated Press FCS All-America honors and seven American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-American accolades.In 11 seasons as the UNI defensive coordinator, Johnson’s defenses ranked in the top 10 nationally in statistical categories 29 times, which included turnovers gained on six occasions (highest ranking of No. 2 in 2019 with 34), defensive touchdowns four times (highest ranking of No. 5 in 2016 and 2019 with 4) and scoring defense three times (best ranking of No. 6 at 15.3 points per game in the Spring of 2021). During his first run as defensive coordinator from 2014 through 2021, UNI ranked sixth in the FCS by allowing 19.9 points per game over a 99-game span. He was also named a finalist for the 2019 FootballScoop FCS Defensive Coordinator of the Year award.The Panthers won four conference championships during Johnson’s time at UNI. Additionally, they made 10 FCS Playoff appearances and advanced past the first round in eight of 10 seasons, which included a semifinal showing in 2008 and quarterfinal appearances in 2015 and 2019.Before being promoted to coordinator, Johnson coached the Northern Iowa defensive backs and served as the recruiting coordinator from 2009 through 2012. In 2007 and 2008, he was the video coordinator and assistant defensive backs coach.Johnson went to UNI after working the 2003 through 2006 seasons at Loras College, serving on the same staff as former K-State head coach Chris Klieman. Johnson worked with the Duhawk defensive backs in 2003, 2004 and 2006, while he coached the wide receivers in 2005. Prior to his time at Loras, he was a graduate assistant and video coordinator at Wyoming in 2002.A native of Scandia, Kansas, Johnson obtained his undergraduate degree in sports science from Kansas in 2000, while he earned a master’s degree in athletic administration from Loras in 2005.Johnson and his five, Nicki, have a son, Lane, and a daughter, Drew.THE JEREMIAH JOHNSON FILEHometown:&nbsp;Scandia, KansasCollege:&nbsp;Kansas – Bachelor’s degree in sports science (2000); Loras College – Master’s degree in athletic administration (2005)Family:&nbsp;Wife: Nicki; Children: Lane, DrewJEREMIAH JOHNSON’S COACHING CAREER2002, Wyoming (Graduate Assistant/Video Coordinator)2003-04, Loras College (Defensive Backs)2005, Loras College (Wide Receivers)2006, Loras College (Defensive Backs)2007-08, Northern Iowa (Video Coordinator/Assistant Defensive Backs Coach)2009-12, Northern Iowa (Defensive Backs/Recruiting Coordinator)2013-16, Northern Iowa (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers)2017-21, Northern Iowa (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs)2022, Kent State (Defensive Coordinator)2023, Northern Iowa (Defensive Coordinator)2024, Louisiana Tech (Defensive Coordinator)2025, Coastal Carolina (Defensive Coordinator/Interim Head Coach)

K-State Hires Jeremiah Johnson to Serve as Defensive Backs Coach

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Marcus Woodson, an accomplished secondary coach with 21 years of experience, has been hired as Kansas State’s co-defensive coordinator working with the defensive backs, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Monday.

Woodson arrives in Manhattan after spending the last three seasons on staff at Arkansas, serving as the Razorbacks’ co-defensive coordinator.

“My family and I are incredibly excited to join the Kansas State family,” said Woodson, who crossed paths with K-State defensive coordinator&nbsp;Jordan Peterson&nbsp;when the duo worked together at Fresno State in 2014 and 2015. “I am grateful for the opportunity to pour into our players and help build something special here in Manhattan.”

This will be Woodson’s first stint in the Big 12 having previously spent five seasons in the SEC and three in the ACC.

“Marcus is a great addition to our defensive staff,” said Klein. “He is of high character, hard working and a winner. I am excited for him to help lead our defense and develop our secondary.”

In his first season in Fayetteville, Woodson helped the Arkansas secondary to its best pass defense in 12 seasons, allowing 202.8 yards per game. It ranked 31st nationally that season, a 99-spot improvement from the previous year. As a whole, Arkansas allowed its fewest yards per game in a decade (357.2), while Woodson’s secondary also contributed to the Razorbacks’ national-leading five defensive touchdowns.

Year two at Arkansas saw Woodson help the Hogs open the season with their first shutout in six seasons in addition to road victories at Auburn and Mississippi State. Against the Tigers, Woodson saw the secondary pick off a season-high four passes and break up six others, while they picked off a pair of passes against the Bulldogs.

Woodson joined the Arkansas staff after spending three seasons at Florida State as the Seminoles’ defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator. In 2022, he tutored a unit that helped the Seminoles rank fourth in the nation by allowing only 165.4 passing yards per game. Woodson coached safety Jammie Robinson to his second-straight All-ACC First Team honor in 2022 as he led Florida State with 99 tackles. It was the second-straight year Robinson paced the defense in stops as he had 84 tackles and an ACC-best four interceptions in 2021.

Robinson was the latest in a line of Woodson pupils to be selected in the NFL Draft when he was taken in the fifth round by Carolina in 2023. It was the seventh time in a four-year span a Woodson product was selected, including 2020 first-round selection Noah Igbinoghene, who was the 30th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins after Woodson coached him through move from wide receiver to defensive back upon his arrival at Auburn in 2018.

Florida State had eight different defenders grab at least one interception and force 20 total takeaways in 2021. FSU picked off at least one pass in eight-straight games to end the year, the longest streak in the nation to finish out the 2021 season and tied for the longest streak in the country at any point during that year.

During the 2020 season, Woodson’s defensive backfield at Florida State was responsible for 10 takeaways and added four forced fumbles. He helped continue the development of All-ACC First Team selection Asante Samuel Jr. into one of the nation’s premiere defensive backs. Samuel finished the season by leading all active ACC defenders with 29 career pass breakups before being selected in the second-round of the NFL Draft pick by the Los Angeles Chargers.

Woodson went to Florida State from Auburn where the Tigers won 17 games over the 2018 and 2019 seasons. In 2019 as the co-defensive coordinator, Woodson helped the Tigers rank eighth nationally in third down defense (29.9%) and red zone defense (71.8%), while he coached safety Jeremiah Dinson to All-SEC Second Team honors. The year prior, the Tigers returned three interceptions for touchdowns – the ninth-highest total in the nation – while they ranked 14th&nbsp;in the country in scoring defense (19.2 points allowed per game).

Woodson headed to The Plains after two seasons at Memphis coaching the Tigers’ defensive backs. Memphis won 18 games over the two seasons, forcing a combined 60 takeaways, the second-highest total in the nation during that span. The Tigers picked off 32 passes in Woodson’s two seasons and were one of only six teams in the country to record at least 16 interceptions in both 2016 and 2017.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Marcus Woodson, an accomplished secondary coach with 21 years of experience, has been hired as Kansas State’s co-defensive coordinator working with the defensive backs, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Monday.Woodson arrives in Manhattan after spending the last three seasons on staff at Arkansas, serving as the Razorbacks’ co-defensive coordinator.“My family and I are incredibly excited to join the Kansas State family,” said Woodson, who crossed paths with K-State defensive coordinator&nbsp;Jordan Peterson&nbsp;when the duo worked together at Fresno State in 2014 and 2015. “I am grateful for the opportunity to pour into our players and help build something special here in Manhattan.”This will be Woodson’s first stint in the Big 12 having previously spent five seasons in the SEC and three in the ACC.“Marcus is a great addition to our defensive staff,” said Klein. “He is of high character, hard working and a winner. I am excited for him to help lead our defense and develop our secondary.”In his first season in Fayetteville, Woodson helped the Arkansas secondary to its best pass defense in 12 seasons, allowing 202.8 yards per game. It ranked 31st nationally that season, a 99-spot improvement from the previous year. As a whole, Arkansas allowed its fewest yards per game in a decade (357.2), while Woodson’s secondary also contributed to the Razorbacks’ national-leading five defensive touchdowns.Year two at Arkansas saw Woodson help the Hogs open the season with their first shutout in six seasons in addition to road victories at Auburn and Mississippi State. Against the Tigers, Woodson saw the secondary pick off a season-high four passes and break up six others, while they picked off a pair of passes against the Bulldogs.Woodson joined the Arkansas staff after spending three seasons at Florida State as the Seminoles’ defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator. In 2022, he tutored a unit that helped the Seminoles rank fourth in the nation by allowing only 165.4 passing yards per game. Woodson coached safety Jammie Robinson to his second-straight All-ACC First Team honor in 2022 as he led Florida State with 99 tackles. It was the second-straight year Robinson paced the defense in stops as he had 84 tackles and an ACC-best four interceptions in 2021.Robinson was the latest in a line of Woodson pupils to be selected in the NFL Draft when he was taken in the fifth round by Carolina in 2023. It was the seventh time in a four-year span a Woodson product was selected, including 2020 first-round selection Noah Igbinoghene, who was the 30th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins after Woodson coached him through move from wide receiver to defensive back upon his arrival at Auburn in 2018.Florida State had eight different defenders grab at least one interception and force 20 total takeaways in 2021. FSU picked off at least one pass in eight-straight games to end the year, the longest streak in the nation to finish out the 2021 season and tied for the longest streak in the country at any point during that year.During the 2020 season, Woodson’s defensive backfield at Florida State was responsible for 10 takeaways and added four forced fumbles. He helped continue the development of All-ACC First Team selection Asante Samuel Jr. into one of the nation’s premiere defensive backs. Samuel finished the season by leading all active ACC defenders with 29 career pass breakups before being selected in the second-round of the NFL Draft pick by the Los Angeles Chargers.Woodson went to Florida State from Auburn where the Tigers won 17 games over the 2018 and 2019 seasons. In 2019 as the co-defensive coordinator, Woodson helped the Tigers rank eighth nationally in third down defense (29.9%) and red zone defense (71.8%), while he coached safety Jeremiah Dinson to All-SEC Second Team honors. The year prior, the Tigers returned three interceptions for touchdowns – the ninth-highest total in the nation – while they ranked 14th&nbsp;in the country in scoring defense (19.2 points allowed per game).Woodson headed to The Plains after two seasons at Memphis coaching the Tigers’ defensive backs. Memphis won 18 games over the two seasons, forcing a combined 60 takeaways, the second-highest total in the nation during that span. The Tigers picked off 32 passes in Woodson’s two seasons and were one of only six teams in the country to record at least 16 interceptions in both 2016 and 2017.Prior to joining the Memphis staff, Woodson coached defensive backs at Fresno State in 2014 and 2015. Woodson helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2014 Mountain West Conference Championship Game and a berth in the Hawai’i Bowl and along the way coached safety Derron Smith to All-Mountain West Conference First Team accolades before being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.From 2009 through 2013, Woodson coached defensive backs and was the recruiting coordinator at Charleston Southern – tutoring five all-conference defensive backs – while he added defensive passing game coordinator duties for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He began his coaching career at Millsaps College where he was the defensive backs coach from 2005 through 2008. The Majors won three consecutive conference championships, including an 11-1 record and No. 12 final ranking in 2008.Woodson was a two-year starting safety at Ole Miss prior to his playing career being cut short by an injury just before his senior season of 2003. During his time as a player, the Rebels advanced to four bowl games, including the Cotton Bowl, the Music City Bowl and two trips to the Independence Bowl. He went to Ole Miss after helping lead Moss Point High School to two state titles.A native of Moss Point, Mississippi, Woodson obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis in criminal justice from the University of Mississippi in 2003, and he was selected for the Senior Leadership Unity Council.Woodson and his wife, Chastity, have two sons, Carter and Bryce.THE MARCUS WOODSON FILEHometown:&nbsp;Moss Point, MississippiHigh School:&nbsp;Moss PointCollege:&nbsp;Ole Miss – Bachelor’s degree in political science (2003)Family:&nbsp;Wife: Chastity; Children: Carter, BrycePlaying Career:&nbsp;Ole Miss (safety), 1999-2002MARCUS WOODSON’S COACHING CAREER2005-08, Millsaps College (Defensive Backs)2009-11, Charleston Southern (Defensive Backs/Recruiting Coordinator)2012-13, Charleston Southern (Defensive Backs/Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator)2014-15, Fresno State (Defensive Backs)2016-17, Memphis (Defensive Backs)2018, Auburn (Defensive Backs)2019, Auburn (Defensive backs/Recruiting Coordinator)2020-22, Florida State (Defensive Backs/Defensive Pass Game Coordinator)2023-25, Arkansas (Co-Defensive Coordinator)