Kansas State University

Collin Klein adds a new assistant to Kansas State’s football coaching staff

Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

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  • Klein hires veteran DB coach Marcel Yates to tutor Kansas State cornerbacks.
  • Staff opening followed Marcus Woodson’s sudden departure to Mississippi.
  • K-State prepares for spring practice with Yates added to inaugural staff.

Kansas State football coach Collin Klein has likely finalized his inaugural staff with the Wildcats.

Marcel Yates, a defensive backs coach with 24 years of experience, has been hired to tutor K-State cornerbacks next season.

K-State was in the market for another assistant coach on defense after Marcus Woodson unexpectedly left to take a similar job at Mississippi before he worked a single game with the Wildcats.

Yates comes to K-State after previously serving as an assistant at Texas Tech, Oregon, California, Arizona, Boise State, Texas A&M and Montana State.

His most recent job was with Texas Tech, where he coached the secondary and served as passing-game coordinator.

“Marcel brings a lot of experience developing players at a high level,” Klein said. “He was a character-and-integrity fit, and I am very excited to have him join our staff. He is a great relationship builder and teammate.”

Yates is originally from Los Angeles.

“I am grateful to join the staff at Kansas State and be a part of a program with so much history and success,” Yates said. “I am excited to work with Coach Klein and the staff of great coaches he has assembled.”

K-State will begin spring football practice on Thursday morning.

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Kellis Robinett
The Wichita Eagle
Kellis Robinett covers Kansas State athletics for The Wichita Eagle and The Kansas City Star. A winner of more than a dozen national writing awards, he lives in Manhattan with his wife and four children.
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