Hailey
Kansas State fans are celebrating a big moment as one of their favorite former players, Collin Klein, is officially coming back home. Klein, who once led the Wildcats as a star quarterback and became a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2012, has been named the new head coach.
His five-year contract averages $4.3 million per year, marking a fresh start for the school’s football program. For many fans, this feels more like a homecoming than just a normal coaching hire, because Klein has always been a symbol of hard work, leadership, and Kansas State pride.
Who Is Collin Klein?
Collin Klein became well-known during the 2011 and 2012 seasons when he helped Kansas State reach a strong 21–5 record as the starting quarterback.
His playing style—full of confidence, toughness, and discipline—earned him deep respect across college football. He is also a member of the Kansas State Ring of Honor, which shows how important he has been to the program.
After his playing career, Klein started coaching. He worked as an assistant at Kansas State from 2017 to 2023. When he served as the offensive coordinator, the Wildcats reached a 19–8 record, showing how effective he was in shaping the team’s offense.
Later, he moved to Texas A&M and continued to grow as a coach. Under his leadership, Texas A&M finished the regular season with an 11–1 record this year.
His New Five-Year Contract
Kansas State confirmed Klein’s hiring on Thursday night. Even though he has accepted the job, he will continue to work with Texas A&M through the upcoming College Football Playoff before he fully takes charge at Kansas State.
Here is a simple table of his contract details:
| Contract Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Contract Length | 5 Years |
| Average Salary | $4.3 Million Per Year |
| Current Team Before Hiring | Texas A&M (Offensive Coordinator) |
| Official Introduction | Friday Afternoon at Kansas State |
The offer reflects how much trust the university has in him and how strongly they believe he can build a winning future for the Wildcats.
Replacing Chris Klieman After His Retirement
Klein will take over from Chris Klieman, who announced his retirement after coaching Kansas State for seven seasons. During his time, Klieman helped the Wildcats win the Big 12 Championship in 2022 and brought stability to the program.
Once news of Klieman’s retirement came out, many people expected Klein to be the most likely replacement. Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor praised him highly, saying Klein is a leader with grit, passion, and a strong sense of responsibility toward his players.
Why Klein’s Return Matters
This hiring is particularly meaningful because Klein becomes the first Kansas State alumnus to serve as head coach since 1977. It is rare to see someone return to lead the same program where they once became a star.
Klein said he and his family are grateful for the chance to return home and promised to carry forward the culture of hard work, discipline, and greatness that Kansas State football is known for.
What’s Next for Kansas State?
The Wildcats ended their regular season with a 6–6 record. The team still has to decide whether it will play in a bowl game this year. Reports suggest no final decision has been made yet.
However, what is clear is that Kansas State is entering a new era under Klein’s leadership. Fans believe his experience, loyalty, and energy will help shape a stronger and more competitive team in the coming seasons.
Collin Klein’s return to Kansas State marks the start of an exciting new chapter. His deep connection to the program, proven leadership qualities, and successful coaching history make him a strong choice to guide the Wildcats.
As he steps into this important role, both the team and the fans are hopeful that his passion and commitment will bring fresh success, renewed confidence, and a bright future for Kansas State football.