Patrick
Kansas State University has officially appointed former Wildcats star quarterback Collin Klein as its next head coach.
The announcement came Thursday, confirming earlier expectations that Klein, 36, would take over following Chris Klieman’s retirement.
Klein most recently served as Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator, a role he will continue through the College Football Playoff before returning to Manhattan.
Klein’s Journey From Player to Program Leader
A Standout Playing Career at Kansas State
Klein’s connection to Kansas State runs deep. After redshirting as a freshman in 2008, he played wide receiver in 2009 before transitioning to quarterback in 2010.
By 2011, he became the full-time starter and quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic players in school history.
Across the 2011–2012 seasons, Klein:
- Led the Wildcats to a 21-5 record
- Threw 29 touchdown passes
- Rushed for 50 touchdowns
- Finished third in the 2012 Heisman Trophy race
- Helped Kansas State reach No. 2 in national rankings, tying the program’s all-time best
Coaching Rise: From Assistant to Offensive Architect
Klein rejoined Kansas State in 2014, gradually moving up the coaching ladder. His roles included:
- Graduate assistant
- Quarterbacks coach
- Co-offensive coordinator
- Offensive coordinator (2022–2023)
His leadership revitalized the Wildcats’ offense, transforming it from a unit ranked outside the national top 75 in 2021 to a top-25 offense in multiple categories by 2023.
Key offensive improvements under Klein:
- Total offense increased from 362.3 yards (2021) to 446.1 yards per game (2023)
- Scoring offense rose from 27.5 to 37.8 points per game
- His offense posted the nation’s best red-zone touchdown rate at 78.7%
- The rushing game consistently ranked in the top 15 nationally
- Quarterbacks recorded historically low interception rates
Texas A&M hired Klein after the 2023 season, and in 2024 he helped the Aggies start 5-0 in SEC play, their best conference start since 1998.
Under his guidance, Texas A&M ranks 16th nationally in scoring at 36.3 points per game and sits second in SEC rushing. He is also a Broyles Award semifinalist, recognizing the nation’s top assistant coach.
Contract Details and Program Expectations
Kansas State signed Klein to a five-year deal averaging $4.3 million annually.
He becomes the first Kansas State alumnus to lead the program since Ellis Rainsberger (1975–1977).
Why Kansas State Turned Back to Klein
Chris Klieman, who replaced Hall of Famer Bill Snyder in 2019, produced strong seasons including:
- A 10-win year in 2022
- Bowl victories in 2021, 2023, and 2024
However, the Wildcats struggled to a 6-6 record this season despite being ranked 17th in the preseason. With familiarity in recruiting, deep ties to donors, and status as one of the school’s most iconic players, Klein emerged as the natural successor to reset the program’s trajectory.
A Strategic Hire for Kansas State’s Future
As CBS Sports analyst Cody Nagel notes, Klein’s deep understanding of the Wildcats’ culture, roster, and recruiting networks positions him as the ideal leader during this transition.
His proven offensive expertise and long-standing ties to Manhattan give Kansas State confidence that he can restore the momentum the program enjoyed earlier in the decade.
Collin Klein’s return to Kansas State marks both a homecoming and a strategic investment in the program’s future.
With a remarkable playing legacy, an impressive coaching résumé, and a clear vision for offensive excellence, Klein steps into the head coaching role with strong support and high expectations.
As the Wildcats aim to rebound from a challenging season, fans and players alike hope Klein can guide the program back to national prominence.