Chris Klieman Retires, Collin Klein Set to Return as Kansas State Head Coach

The college football coaching carousel claimed another prominent figure this week as Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman announced his retirement. The move comes after the Wildcats closed the 2025 season with a 6-6 record and a win over Colorado, ending Klieman’s seven-year tenure in Manhattan.

Klieman’s departure was officially confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday, where Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor became emotional reflecting on Klieman’s impact. Taylor praised his former coach as one of the “greatest guys in this industry” and lamented that changes in college football, including NIL, the transfer portal, and endless recruiting demands, were driving experienced coaches away.

While Taylor framed the retirement as a loss for the sport, Klieman emphasized it was a personal and family-driven decision. The pressures of modern college football, combined with evolving expectations for coaches, have prompted several high-profile departures in recent years.

During his seven seasons at Kansas State, Klieman compiled a 54-34 record, highlighted by a Big 12 Championship and a Sugar Bowl appearance in 2022. His legacy includes consistent competitiveness and program stability, making him one of the most respected figures in the Big 12.

1. Klieman’s Coaching Legacy

Chris Klieman came to Kansas State following a highly successful run at North Dakota State, where he won multiple FCS championships. At Kansas State, he quickly established a culture of discipline and competitiveness that kept the Wildcats relevant in the Big 12. Over seven seasons, Klieman led the team to postseason appearances and developed multiple NFL-caliber players. His leadership style was widely praised for emphasizing fundamentals, accountability, and player development both on and off the field. Despite a 6-6 finish in 2025, Klieman leaves a program with a strong foundation. The Wildcats remain competitive in a conference that has grown increasingly challenging, and his contributions are likely to influence the program for years. Klieman’s decision to retire highlights broader trends in college football, where escalating workloads, recruiting demands, and the pressures of NIL and the transfer portal are prompting respected coaches to step away from the game earlier than expected.

2. Collin Klein’s Return

Kansas State quickly addressed succession, naming program legend Collin Klein as the next head coach. Klein, currently the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, will return to Manhattan after the Aggies’ College Football Playoff run concludes. Klein’s connection to Kansas State runs deep. He played quarterback for the Wildcats in 2011 and 2012, winning a conference championship and finishing as a Heisman Trophy finalist in his senior season. His leadership on the field and familiarity with the program’s culture make him a natural fit to guide the team forward. As head coach, Klein inherits the task of revitalizing a Wildcats program that struggled to maintain momentum in 2025. Expectations will be high, given his legendary status among fans and alumni, and he will need to navigate a competitive Big 12 landscape to restore Kansas State’s prominence. Klein’s hiring also signals Kansas State’s commitment to continuity and program identity, leveraging a former player and alumni favorite to lead the team into the next era.

3. Looking Ahead

The Wildcats now enter a transitional period, combining Klieman’s legacy with Klein’s fresh leadership. Recruiting, player development, and competitive success will be immediate priorities under the new regime. Klein inherits a team with potential and a history of resilience. His familiarity with the program’s culture, combined with experience at a Power Five program like Texas A&M, could help him quickly adapt to the head coaching role. Fans and analysts will closely watch Klein’s first season, assessing whether he can maintain the foundation Klieman built while implementing his vision for the program. The pressure to compete in the Big 12 remains significant. If successful, Klein’s return could mark a new era for Kansas State football, blending nostalgia, alumni loyalty, and modern coaching expertise to re-establish the Wildcats as a Big 12 contender.