Chris Klieman to Retire; Collin Klein Set to Take Over at Kansas State

Kansas State football has endured a disappointing 2025 campaign, finishing 6-6 and tied for seventh in the Big 12 despite high preseason expectations. Once projected as a conference contender, the Wildcats struggled to meet those projections, leaving the program at a crossroads.

Amid the season’s struggles, head coach Chris Klieman, 58, is reportedly considering stepping down. Sources from ESPN’s Pete Thamel indicate that Klieman is weighing retirement, while Bruce Feldman of The Athletic reports that he will indeed step away, paving the way for Collin Klein to take over as head coach.

Klieman, under contract through 2032, assumed the Kansas State job in 2019 following the legendary Bill Snyder’s retirement. At the time, Klieman was completing a remarkable run at North Dakota State, where he guided the program to four national championships in five seasons and compiled a 69-6 record over five years.

The Wildcats hoped Klieman could replicate that success in the Big 12, but his tenure has been mixed. Over seven seasons, Kansas State has finished in the top 25 only twice and posted a 54-34 record, including a single conference title in 2022, which culminated in a Sugar Bowl loss to Alabama.

1. Klieman’s Legacy at Kansas State

Chris Klieman arrived at Kansas State with a championship pedigree, fresh off an impressive run at North Dakota State. His early success in the FCS created expectations that he could elevate the Wildcats to consistent Big 12 contention. Despite winning the 2022 Big 12 title, Klieman’s teams have struggled to maintain top-tier status in a competitive conference. Kansas State has only sporadically appeared in national rankings, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from FCS dominance to Power Five competition. Klieman’s overall record of 54-34 demonstrates that while the Wildcats have been competitive, they have not consistently challenged for conference supremacy. His teams showed flashes of brilliance but fell short of sustaining championship-level performance. Still, Klieman leaves behind a program that has remained stable and competitive in the Big 12, providing a foundation for his successor to build upon.

2. Collin Klein’s Return to Manhattan

Collin Klein, Kansas State’s former quarterback, appears poised to return to his alma mater as head coach. Klein played for the Wildcats from 2008-2012, finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting in his senior season. After his playing career, Klein joined Snyder’s staff in 2014, briefly spent a season at Northern Iowa, and returned to Kansas State in 2017. He was retained by Klieman and became offensive coordinator in 2022, the same season the Wildcats won the Big 12. Klein has spent the past two seasons as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, gaining Power Five experience while refining his offensive philosophy. His familiarity with Kansas State’s culture and program philosophy makes him a natural choice to lead the Wildcats. For Klein, this marks a second return home—first as a player, then as an assistant and coordinator, and now as head coach tasked with reinvigorating a program in need of consistent success.

3. Outlook for Kansas State Football

With Klieman stepping away, Kansas State enters a new era under Collin Klein. His intimate knowledge of the program and experience in the Big 12 could help stabilize the team while positioning it for renewed competitiveness. Klein inherits a roster that has experienced highs and lows under Klieman, including recent bowl appearances and the 2022 conference title. The challenge will be translating that potential into sustained performance and consistent national relevance. Recruiting and player development will be key priorities, as Klein seeks to build a team capable of competing at the top of the Big 12. Maintaining continuity while implementing his offensive vision will be central to early success. If Klein can leverage his experience as a player and coach, Kansas State could reestablish itself as a perennial contender in the conference, continuing the legacy of stability and competitiveness that Klieman helped maintain.