Chris Klieman Retires: Kansas State Footballs New Era Under Collin Klein

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It’s not every day a coach steps down with a record that leaves a program forever changed. In December 2025, Chris Klieman, the man who steered Kansas State football through triumphs and trials, is retiring after seven seasons at the helm.

According to Yahoo Sports, Klieman’s decision comes on the heels of a challenging 6-6 season, but his influence stretches far beyond the win-loss column.

Klieman, 58, arrived at Kansas State in 2019, following Bill Snyder’s legendary tenure. He brought a championship pedigree from North Dakota State, where he won four FCS national titles in five years and posted a staggering 69-6 record. His first years in Manhattan were marked by discipline, player development, and a steady hand through adversity.

Building a Legacy: Championships and Consistency

Under Klieman, Kansas State quickly returned to national relevance. The Wildcats achieved at least eight wins in five of his seven seasons, highlighted by a landmark 2022 campaign: a 10-4 record, a Big 12 Championship, and an appearance in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama. Though that game ended in defeat, it marked Kansas State’s resurgence as a conference contender.

In total, Klieman’s teams posted a 54-34 record (.614), second only to Snyder in the school’s history. They qualified for bowl games in five of his seven years, including each of the last four. Even during seasons marred by injuries or narrow losses, the Wildcats remained a disciplined, competitive force—a testament to Klieman’s leadership style, which mirrored the championship culture he built at North Dakota State.

The 2025 Season: A Rollercoaster Ride and an Emotional Goodbye

The 2025 campaign tested Kansas State’s resilience. The Wildcats stumbled out of the gate, losing their opener to Iowa State in Ireland and scraping by North Dakota in Week 2. Consecutive defeats to Army and Arizona left fans anxious, but the team clawed back to .500 by October’s end. The season was defined by razor-thin margins and offensive inconsistency, yet Klieman’s bond with his players never wavered.

Perhaps the most poignant moment came after a heartbreaking 51-47 loss to Utah. Klieman, fighting back tears, declared, “I’ve given my friggen-ass life for this place for seven years.” Athletic director Gene Taylor’s embrace was a public acknowledgment of the personal investment that had shaped the program’s identity.

Klieman’s contract technically extended through 2032, but as CBS Sports reports, the coach has not yet made a formal public statement. Nevertheless, multiple outlets confirm the transition is underway, and the search for a successor has zeroed in on a familiar face.

Collin Klein: The Wildcat Returns

Enter Collin Klein, a name etched in Kansas State lore. The 36-year-old offensive coordinator at Texas A&M is set to return to his alma mater as head coach, pending the conclusion of the Aggies’ College Football Playoff run. Klein’s offensive acumen is evident: in 2025, Texas A&M averaged over 36 points and 454.4 yards per game, with quarterback Marcel Reed notching 31 touchdowns.

Klein’s coaching journey began at Kansas State, where he spent seven seasons as an assistant, rising to offensive coordinator in 2022. But his legacy in Manhattan started on the field: as a player, Klein was among the program’s most productive quarterbacks. His senior season in 2012 saw him finish third in Heisman Trophy voting, having amassed nearly 2,500 passing yards, almost 900 rushing yards, and 37 total touchdowns. His leadership powered the Wildcats to a Big 12 title as a quarterback in 2003.

Klein’s deep roots in the program—his familiarity with the roster, donors, and recruiting base—make him an attractive candidate. As The Score notes, Klein has discussed the transition with Kansas State officials and is expected to assume the role after Texas A&M’s playoff journey concludes.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Kansas State?

The imminent coaching change signals a new chapter for the Wildcats. While the 2025 season ended at a middling 6-6, the foundation built by Klieman remains strong. His approach to player development, discipline, and culture has left an indelible mark on the program, and Klein’s return is expected to build on that legacy rather than overhaul it.

Kansas State fans will watch closely as Klein takes the reins. Will he replicate his success at Texas A&M? Can he leverage his ties to the university and his understanding of the local recruiting landscape to keep Kansas State competitive in the Big 12? These questions loom large as the Wildcats prepare for their bowl game and look ahead to the 2026 season.

Meanwhile, Klieman’s legacy is secure. Five bowl appearances, a conference championship, and national respect for his disciplined, development-focused philosophy have set a standard for future coaches. The emotional scenes following the Utah loss were a testament to the deep relationships he built—not just with players and staff, but with the entire Kansas State community.

As the baton passes from Klieman to Klein, the story of Kansas State football continues, shaped by the men who gave their all—on the field and off.

While Chris Klieman’s retirement marks the end of a transformative era, the arrival of Collin Klein signals a thoughtful continuation rather than a radical shift. The Wildcats’ identity—rooted in discipline, player development, and resilience—remains in safe hands, promising both continuity and fresh energy as Kansas State faces its next set of challenges.