Kansas State’s Chris Klieman May Step Down; Collin Klein Likely Successor
Chris Klieman, the head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats, is set to retire after seven seasons. This decision has been confirmed by sources familiar with the situation. A team meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT to discuss the transition.
Potential Successor: Collin Klein
Collin Klein, the current offensive coordinator for Texas A&M and a former star quarterback at Kansas State, is a leading candidate to succeed Klieman. Klein was a Heisman Trophy finalist during his time with the Wildcats and served as Klieman’s offensive coordinator in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He has now joined Mike Elko’s staff at Texas A&M, but his name remains in the mix as a potential head coach.
Recent Performance and Future Prospects
Klieman’s tenure has included six bowl appearances and a Big 12 championship in 2022. His overall record stands at 54-34. Kansas State recently finished their season with a 6-6 record, earning a bowl bid after a victory over Colorado.
Media Announcement
Klieman and athletic director Gene Taylor will hold a media conference at 4 p.m. to further discuss Klieman’s retirement. The announcement comes in the wake of a challenging season where the Wildcats experienced a disappointing start, struggling with a 1-3 record.
- Klieman’s Career Highlights:
- 54-34 record at Kansas State
- Six bowl appearances
- Big 12 championship in 2022
- Predecessor to legendary coach Bill Snyder
- Coached four FCS national champions at North Dakota State
- Upcoming Events:
- Team meeting at 2 p.m. CT
- Media conference at 4 p.m. CT
During a poignant news conference, Klieman expressed his distress over the season’s challenges. He displayed a deep commitment to the team and a longing for respect after dedicating significant effort to Kansas State over the past seven years.
As the program looks ahead, the leadership transition will be critical for Kansas State. With Collin Klein potentially stepping in, fans await to see how the Wildcats will move forward in the next season.
