Mississippi State Football Secures Veteran Recruiter, Coach Kevie Thompson

The Mississippi State football program has welcomed one of Mississippi’s most trusted defensive coaches and recruiters back home. Head coach Jeff Lebby announced Monday that the hiring of Kevie Thompson as Assistant Defensive Backs Coach/Nickels was official . 

Thompson, a native of Raleigh, Mississippi, is returning to his home state after spending the 2025 season at Oklahoma State, also as a defensive coach. 

A Track Record of Defensive Success

For more than a decade, Thompson has successfully coached at high school, junior college, and collegiate football levels. His last Mississippi tenure was at East Mississippi Community College from 2022 to 2024, where the team compiled a 23–10 record, won back-to-back MACCC championships, and reached the NJCAA national championship game in 2023. 

During those years, EMCC’s defense ranked among the nation’s best in both interceptions and sacks. More than 30 defensive players advanced to four-year programs, with several joining Power-Five schools, and over 20 defenders earned all-conference honors. 

Before EMCC, Thompson helped lead West Alabama Tigers to the top total defense ranking in the Gulf South Conference in 2021, finishing second in rushing defense and third in scoring defense. That same season, the defense produced three postseason defensive honorees, including an AFCA first-team All-American defensive lineman. 

In his earlier career, Thompson has had stints at Starkville High School, Hinds Community College, Bethany College (Kansas), and others. Every team has significantly strengthened their defense stats under his leadership. 

What Head Coach Lebby and Thompson Are Saying

On the hire, Coach Lebby praised Thompson’s background: “Kevie has recruited this state at an elite level, he’s developed players everywhere he’s coached, and he brings a deep understanding of Mississippi’s players, coaches and talent pipeline. His credibility, coaching experience and relationships across this state make him a perfect fit for our program.”

After joining the Bulldogs, Thompson commented: “Coming home to Mississippi and joining this staff is an incredible honor. Mississippi State is a place I’ve believed in for a long time, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of what Coach Lebby is building. The vision, the standard and the direction of this program are something I’m proud to align with. This state shaped who I am, and I’m excited to pour into our players, help develop elite defensive backs and represent Mississippi State every single day.” 

What This Means for the Bulldogs

Coach Lebby is one of the top offensive minds of the SEC, so adding Thompson to his staff could balance Mississippi State’s plays. Lebby’s willingness to bring a coach with Mississippi roots also signals that Lebby may be seeking to recruit within the state, keeping talent local. As the Bulldogs continue to rebuild their football program, Thompson’s role will be critical to a successful 2026 season.

Author administrator Corinne Ellington