Manhattan
The succession plan that many Kansas State football fans have been yearning for is here.
Chris Klieman has decided to retire, and Collin Klein is poised to take over as his replacement.
After seven years with the Wildcats, Klieman, 58, has decided to hang up his headset, according to sources with knowledge of the move.
Who will replace him? That answer already appears to be crystal clear.
Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein, right, watches warm-ups before a college football game against the Samford Bulldogs at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas on Nov. 22, 2025. Tim Warner Getty Images
Kansas State’s top target is Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein. K-State has been in contact with Klein about the opening and is eager to return to his alma mater, according to sources.
The two sides are expected to finalize a deal in the coming days. There will be no need for a lengthy coaching search.
Klein, 36, has never been a head coach before, but that won’t matter to K-State fans. They have long clamored for him to get his first opportunity with the Wildcats.
Before he got into coaching, Klein played quarterback for K-State. As a player, he was known for his leadership and his toughness. He rushed for a whopping 2,485 yards and 56 touchdowns to go along with 4,724 yards and 30 touchdowns as a passer during his four years with the Wildcats.
Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Collin Klein, left, scrambles during a game against Oklahoma State on Nov. 3, 2012. Wichita Eagle file photo
He led K-State to a Big 12 championship in 2012. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist that season.
He later served as an assistant coach under both Bill Snyder and Klieman. He most recently worked at K-State as offensive coordinator in 2023.
Klein called plays for the Wildcats when they won a Big 12 championship in 2022. Back then, he said his dream was to one day become a head coach.
“I would love to be a head coach some day,” Klein said during a 2022 interview. “I really would. I love everything about the team finding a way to come together with what we have and accomplishing the mission. Going through hard times and hard challenges and seeing all the growth that can happen in the greatest team sport in the world is something that I absolutely love.”
Collin Klein, at right in 2017 during his time as a K-State assistant coach. Bo Rader Wichita Eagle file photo
Klieman handing the baton to Klein is a natural succession plan for K-State.
Still, it is interesting that Klieman chose to step down now. He will depart K-State after a successful seven-year run in Manhattan. He went 54-34 with the Wildcats and led them to six bowl games, as well as the 2022 Big 12 championship. Only Bill Snyder has won more games in Manhattan.
Highlights of his tenure included three upset victories over Oklahoma, an appearance in the Sugar Bowl and several players who went on to the NFL. Some of the best K-State players of this century suited up for Klieman, including Deuce Vaughn, Cooper Beebe, Will Howard, DJ Giddens, Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Ben Sinnott.
“After many deep and thoughtful conversations with my family, we have decided that the time is right for me to retire from coaching,” Klieman said. “This decision was not taken lightly and was the culmination of many factors, including my own personal health. I absolutely love coaching the game of football and developing players into young men, but now is the time for me to step away and spend more time with Rhonda and our three kids.
“I truly am thankful to Gene Taylor for trusting me with this program in 2018, and we have accomplished many great things including winning the 2022 Big 12 Championship. K-State will always be a special part of our family’s story, and we will forever be Wildcats.”
It was a trying season for Klieman.
K-State coach Chris Klieman looks on before a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on Nov. 29, 2025 in Manhattan, Kansas. Peter Aiken Getty Images
The Wildcats went 6-6 after many expected them to contend for a Big 12 championship. Losing five games by a combined total of 17 points made things feel even more frustrating. His popularity with fans dipped with every loss, and that clearly bothered him — so much so that he became emotional while defending himself and his team after a road defeat against Utah.
He was in good spirits after K-State closed out the regular season with a win over Colorado, though.
“Chris Klieman has built a program and culture that embodies what it means to be a K-Stater,” athletic director Gene Taylor said in a statement. “Following a legend was no easy task, and he quickly established himself as one of the best coaches in the Big 12 and one of the most successful in our program’s history.
“He is a special person, and we have been fortunate to have him leading the young men in our program and being a first-class representative of Kansas State University. I will miss being able to work with Coach Klieman on a daily basis, and it has been an honor to do so the last several years. We wish him, Rhonda and the kids all the success and happiness they desire as they enter this next phase of their lives.”
The tentative plan is for Klieman to continue coaching at K-State through bowl season. That will give him one last game with the Wildcats. They will learn their bowl destination on Sunday.
During that time, Klein is expected to continue calling plays for Texas A&M while the Aggies play in the College Football Playoff. Klein will work two jobs until the season comes to an end at Texas A&M.
Klein has coached an explosive offense all season with the Aggies. They have averaged 36.3 points and 454.4 yards per game behind top playmakers Marcel Reed and KC Concepcion. Texas A&M finished the regular season with an 11-1 record.
Then-Kansas State assistant coach Collin Klein walks the field during warm-ups in 2018. Wichita Eagle file photo
The Wildcats have scheduled a news conference for 4 p.m. Wednesday. Taylor and Klieman will address the media at that time.
This story was originally published December 3, 2025 at 9:38 AM.
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Kellis Robinett
The Wichita Eagle
Kellis Robinett covers Kansas State athletics for The Wichita Eagle and The Kansas City Star. A winner of more than a dozen national writing awards, he lives in Manhattan with his wife and four children.
