Kansas State University shocked the college football world on December 3, 2025, when head coach Chris Klieman officially announced his retirement after leading the Wildcats for seven seasons. The 58-year-old leaves Manhattan with a 54-37 record, a 2022 Big 12 championship, and a Sugar Bowl berth that cemented his place among the program’s most successful leaders since Bill Snyder. Klieman, who won four FCS national titles at North Dakota State before arriving in 2019, stepped away following a 6-6 regular season that ended with an emotional postgame scene against Utah.
Multiple sources confirm that Texas A&M offensive coordinator and former Kansas State star quarterback Collin Klein will be named the next head coach once the Aggies complete their College Football Playoff run. The 36-year-old Klein, a 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist who threw for 2,641 yards and ran for 920 more during K-State’s last Big 12 title season, spent seven years on staff in Manhattan before joining Mike Elko’s staff in College Station. His explosive 2025 offense at A&M averaged over 36 points per game.
Chris Klieman fought back tears after the season finale, telling reporters he had given “everything I’ve got” to Kansas State over the past seven years. Athletic director Gene Taylor embraced him on the field and later praised his impact on the program. The retirement announcement came just hours after reports surfaced that Klieman had informed players and staff of his decision, paving the way for a smooth transition to Klein.
The hiring of Collin Klein keeps the Wildcats in familiar hands while injecting fresh energy. Klein’s deep ties to the program, from his playing days under Snyder to his previous coaching tenure, make him a fan favorite. Kansas State now turns its attention to a yet-to-be-determined bowl game, where players hope to send Chris Klieman out with one final victory before the Collin Klein era officially begins.