Patrick
Kansas State University is entering a new chapter after head coach Chris Klieman announced his retirement on Wednesday. According to 247Sports, Collin Klein, currently the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M and a former Kansas State quarterback, is expected to take over the reins.
Klieman, who took charge of the Wildcats in 2019 and was signed through 2032, revealed that his decision stemmed from profound personal reflection.
Klieman’s Retirement Statement
Klieman emphasized that stepping away was not an easy choice. He noted that discussions with his family and concerns over his personal health played a major role.
Although he expressed his deep love for coaching and mentoring young athletes, he shared that it was time to dedicate more of his life to Rhonda, his wife, and their three children.
A Legacy of Championship Culture
During his six-season run, Klieman restored Kansas State as a Big 12 powerhouse, highlighted by a 2022 Big 12 Championship victory.
His overall 54-34 (.614) record ranks among the top winning percentages in school history for coaches with at least five years at the helm, trailing only the legendary Bill Snyder, who finished with a 215-117 (.647) mark.
Challenges in Klieman’s Final Season
The Wildcats concluded the 2025 regular season at 6-6, a campaign marked by close losses, offensive inconsistency, and significant injuries.
The season began abroad in Dublin, Ireland, with a narrow 24-21 defeat to Iowa State—one of five one-score losses. Kansas State’s 1-3 start was their poorest season opening since 1989.
Despite the turbulent final year, Klieman leaves behind a strong résumé:
- Five bowl appearances
- One conference championship
- A nationally respected, disciplined, development-first system reminiscent of his four FCS titles at North Dakota State
Collin Klein: The Rising Offensive Architect Poised to Take Over
Why Klein Is the Leading Candidate
Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein has quickly become the frontrunner to replace Klieman. ESPN reports that Klein is expected to remain with the Aggies through their College Football Playoff campaign if officially appointed.
Klein previously served five years on Klieman’s staff—including two as offensive coordinator—before departing for Texas A&M at the start of the 2024 season. His deep familiarity with Kansas State’s roster, recruiting network, and donor base makes him the university’s preferred choice.
A Star Player Turned Promising Coach
As a player, Klein left a lasting legacy in Manhattan:
- Led Kansas State to two 11-win seasons
- Captured a Big 12 Championship
- Passed for 4,724 yards and 30 touchdowns
- Rushed for 2,485 yards with 56 rushing touchdowns
- Earned Heisman Trophy finalist status in 2012
- Won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
- Named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and Second-Team All-American
Transforming Kansas State’s Offense
Klein joined the coaching staff in 2017 and quickly influenced the program’s offensive success.
Under his leadership as offensive coordinator (2022–23):
- Total offense improved from 362.3 yards per game in 2021 to 446.1 in 2023
- Scoring offense climbed from 27.5 to 37.8 points per game
- His 2023 offense led the nation in red-zone touchdown rate (78.7%)
- The rushing unit consistently ranked top-15 nationally
- Quarterbacks registered record-low interception percentages
Success at Texas A&M
Upon joining Texas A&M in 2024, Klein contributed to the Aggies’ 5-0 SEC start, their strongest conference opening since 1998.
The Aggies currently sit at:
- Second in the SEC in rushing
- 16th nationally in scoring (36.3 points per game)
His work has earned him a semifinalist position for the Broyles Award, which recognizes the nation’s top assistant coach.
With a strong track record at both Kansas State and Texas A&M, Klein is widely viewed as one of college football’s brightest young offensive minds and the natural successor to guide the Wildcats into the future.
Chris Klieman’s retirement marks the end of a transformative era for Kansas State football. His leadership revived the Wildcats as a Big 12 contender, cementing a legacy built on discipline, development, and championships.
As the program looks ahead, Collin Klein stands out as the ideal successor—combining elite playing history, proven coaching success, and deep ties to the university. If appointed, Klein is poised to carry Kansas State’s momentum forward and shape the next generation of Wildcats football.