Collin Klein Set To Take Over At Kansas State For Chris Klieman

In a move that has stunned the Big 12 and sent ripples all the way to College Station, Chris Klieman is reportedly hanging up his whistle. After seven seasons in Manhattan, the man who successfully followed the legendary Bill Snyder is stepping away. Collin Klein, former Kansas State quarterback and current Texas A&M Offensive Coordinator, is set to take the reins.

Klieman Leaves a Championship Legacy

Let’s be honest: nobody wanted to be the guy to follow Bill Snyder. That’s like trying to be the frontman for Queen after Freddie Mercury. Yet, Klieman didn’t just keep the ship afloat; he built a speedboat.

Since arriving from North Dakota State in 2019, Klieman compiled a rock-solid 54-34 record. But numbers only tell half the story. His tenure was defined by a gritty, disciplined culture that culminated in a Big 12 Championship in 2022.

The signs of burnout, however, were there for those looking closely. Following a heartbreaking loss to Utah late in the 2025 season, an emotional Klieman fought back tears, telling reporters he had “given his life” to the program. It was a raw, human moment in a sport that often treats coaches like robots. He leaves Manhattan not just with a winning record, but with the respect of a fanbase that knows exactly how hard winning in the Big 12 can be.

The Return Of the King (Or the Quarterback)

So, how do you replace a coach who won a conference title and stabilized the program? You bring home a legend.

Klein isn’t just a familiar face; he’s royalty in “The Little Apple.” A Heisman finalist in 2012, Klein was the engine of one of the best offenses in school history. After hanging up his cleats, he spent seven seasons climbing the coaching ladder at K-State before leaving to call plays for Mike Elko at Texas A&M.

Under Klein’s guidance, the Aggies’ offense has been electric this season, averaging over 36 points per game and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. His return isn’t just a nostalgia play; it’s a strategic hire of one of the hottest young minds in the game.

A Complicated Transition

While Klieman heads into retirement, his successor still has work to do elsewhere. Reports indicate that Klein will remain with Texas A&M through their College Football Playoff run. It is going to be a fascinating juggling act: trying to win a national title for one school while undoubtedly taking frantic recruiting calls for another.

For Kansas State, this transition marks the end of a stable, successful chapter under Klieman and the beginning of a high-upside era under a favorite son. It’s bittersweet, sure. But if you’re a Wildcat fan, watching “Optimus Klein” return to the sideline might just be the best holiday gift you could ask for.