Things are shifting in Manhattan, Kansas, and it looks like the Chris Klieman era at Kansas State is officially over. On Tuesday afternoon, Klieman announced his decision to retire as head coach of the Wildcats after an incredible seven-year run.
“After many deep and thoughtful conversations with my family, we have decided that the time is right for me to retire from coaching,” Klieman said in a statement. “The decision was not taken lightly and was the culmination of many factors, including my own personal health.”
“I absolutely love coaching the game of football and developing players into young men, but now is the time for me to step away and spend more time with Rhonda and our three kids,” Klieman continued. “I truly am thankful to Gene Taylor for trusting me with this program in 2018, and we have accomplished many great things, including winning the 2022 Big 12 Championship. K-State will always be a special part of our family’s story, and we will forever be Wildcats.”
As reported by several outlets, word coming out of Manhattan is that Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein is headed home to take over for Klieman. It’s not official yet, but it feels like one of those moves that’s just a matter of time.
Klieman’s time at K-State wasn’t just productive; it was steady. He delivered a Big 12 Championship in 2022, kept the Wildcats relevant in a loaded conference, and finished with an impressive record (54-34 overall, 36-27 CONF). Still, there’s been a sense this year that things were starting to wear thin. The grind of the modern college game, the portal chaos, NIL demands, it’s a lot. It’s hard to blame Klieman for being ready to hand it off.
Still, there’s something poetic about it. Klieman gives the keys to a guy who lived the Wildcat life, and now it’s Klein’s chance to shape what comes next. With Klieman focused on the future of his family, the next era of Kansas State Football will be walking through the door very soon.
