Collin Klein is starting to line up his guys in Manhattan, and it looks like one of the names near the top of his list is Texas A&M tight ends coach Christian Ellsworth. The two have worked together before, and with Klein now balancing his new gig as Kansas State’s head coach while finishing out the 2025 season as A&M’s offensive coordinator, it makes sense he’d want some familiar faces around when it’s time to roll.
Ellsworth isn’t just some name pulled out of a hat. He actually got his start in coaching at Kansas State back in 2020 as a graduate assistant under Chris Klieman. That connection turned into a strong working relationship with Klein, and after bouncing around with stops at South Carolina and Nebraska, Ellsworth found his way to College Station. He’s been on staff with the Aggies the last two years and was promoted to tight ends coach ahead of the 2025 season. His rise has been steady, and now it looks like there’s a real chance he could be heading back to Manhattan to help Klein build this next chapter of Wildcat football.
What stands out about Ellsworth is how much he respects Klein, not just as a coach, but as a leader. Earlier this year, he called Klein an “incredible human being” and praised his intelligence, creativity, and overall ability to build culture. That’s the kind of trust you can’t fake, and when you’re trying to transition into a head coaching role for the first time, having guys around you who buy in from day one matters.
For Kansas State, bringing Ellsworth back would be a win on multiple levels. He knows the program, he’s worked with Klein, and he’s proven himself in the SEC. If you’re looking to keep some continuity while also injecting fresh energy into the staff, this is the kind of move that checks both boxes.
Klein hasn’t officially announced anything yet, and with him still splitting duties, it might take a bit before the full staff takes shape. But make no mistake, if Ellsworth does end up in Manhattan, it won’t be a surprise. It’ll be a smart hire by a coach who’s already thinking a few steps ahead.
