Chris Klieman Makes Early List of Potential Texas A&M Targets: Pete Thamel
With Texas A&M officially parting ways with Jimbo Fisher on Sunday morning, the early list of potential targets is already developing.
And according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Kanas State head coach Chris Klieman has made the short list.
Early list of potential names for Texas A&M, knowing money is no object: Lane Kiffin, Mike Elko, Mike Norvell, Dan Lanning, Jeff Traylor, Chris Klieman, Kliff Kingsbury and Kalen DeBoer.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 12, 2023
Klieman has quietly become one of the best coaches in the country during his time at Kansas State which adds an impressive amount of buzz surrounding the potential link to Texas A&M. Through his first five seasons in Manhattan, Klieman boasts a career record of 37-23 overall, a win percentage of 62%. The former defensive backs coach also holds an impressive resume under his belt at previous stops including North Dakota State where Klieman finished 69-6 with four National Championships in five years.
While Klieman may not be likely to leave given his relationship with Kansas State AD Gene Taylor, his name has surfaced in multiple coaching vacancy conversations including Michigan State, Northwestern, and others. A&M bit the bullet on the $80M buyout to Fisher’s contract after some continued struggles in conference play despite having a supremely talented roster each season. Jimbo Fisher finished his career at Texas A&M with an overall record of 45-25, but an underwhelming conference record of 27-21.
Despite Chris Klieman being a hot commodity in the coaching ranks across college football, the Wildcats head coach has made it clear of his intension to finish his career at Kansas State. Klieman agreed to terms on a $44M contract extension that will run through the 2030 season back in May. While things can change quickly in college athletics, Chris Klieman’s name surfacing on coaching vacancies is likely to continue with his successful track record in coaching.
