Chris Klieman steps down at Okay-State; former QB Collin Klein reportedly set to exchange

A major coaching change is occurring in Manhattan, Kan., with a replacement reportedly already lined up.

Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman announced his retirement at 58 on Wednesday afternoon. His successor is expected to be former Kansas State quarterback and offensive coordinator Collin Klein, currently offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, according to multiple reports.

“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 (wife) Rhonda and our three kids.

“I truly am thankful to (athletic director) 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.”

Klieman, 54-34 at Kansas State, is the school’s second-winningest coach behind predecessor Bill Snyder (215-117-1).

In addition to the Big 12 title in 2022, he guided the Wildcats to five bowl appearances since being hired away from North Dakota State, where he won four FCS National Championships.

Klein, 36, was an assistant coach under Klieman and spent two of his five seasons on staff as the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator. He has been the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M for the past two seasons.

Reports indicate that Klein would continue coaching the Aggies’ offense during its expected upcoming playoff run.

Among his many accomplishments on the field at Kansas State, Klein was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2012 and piloted the Wildcats to the Fiesta Bowl.

–Field Level Media