Kevie Thompson, a familiar name in Starkville, is returning to his home state to take on an important role with the Mississippi State football team. Announced as part of Jeff Lebby’s coaching staff for the 2025 season, Thompson will serve as an assistant coach focused on the defensive backfield, specifically working with safeties and nickels.
Thompson’s reputation in the state is well-deserved. He has demonstrated an exceptional ability to recruit and develop players throughout his coaching career. “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,” Lebby stated, highlighting Thompson’s extensive background and solid connections in Mississippi.
Having grown up in Mississippi, Thompson was a star defensive back at Raleigh High School in the early 2000s before continuing his football career at Southern Miss under coach Larry Fedora. His coaching journey began soon after as he returned to Raleigh to lead coaching responsibilities for wide receivers, running backs, and special teams.
His experience expanded when he took a position at Bethany College in Kansas, returning to Mississippi coaching high school football as a defensive backs coach at Madison Central and Taylorsville, before becoming Defensive Coordinator at Starkville High School in 2017. Under his guidance, the Yellow Jackets recorded a strong defensive performance, leading them to a state championship game in his inaugural season.
Thompson’s earlier partnership with then Mississippi State Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham at Starkville helped solidify his coaching prowess, eventually leading to his hiring as an assistant safeties and nickels coach at Oklahoma State in 2025. His resume also includes roles as Defensive Coordinator at Hinds Community College and East Mississippi Community College.
Expressing his excitement for the position, Thompson remarked, “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.” He aims to develop elite defensive backs and contribute positively to the program’s vision and future.
As Mississippi State navigates some staffing changes for the 2026 season, including the recent departure of Defensive Coordinator Coleman Hutzler, Thompson’s return is viewed as a crucial addition to the coaching staff as the Bulldogs prepare for their upcoming Duke’s Mayo Bowl on January 2. His expertise and dedication to the team and state are poised to make a significant impact as he takes this next step in his coaching career.