One of the most celebrated players in Kansas State football history is returning to lead the program.
Kansas State officially announced Thursday evening that they have hired Collin Klein, the former Wildcats star quarterback and current Texas A&M offensive coordinator, as the team’s new head coach. The move comes just a day after longtime coach Chris Klieman announced his retirement, immediately placing Klein at the top of the program’s wish list.
Klein, 36, played at Kansas State from 2009 through 2012, delivering one of the greatest seasons in school history as a senior. He passed for 16 touchdowns with nine interceptions and added an incredible 23 rushing scores, leading Bill Snyder’s squad to an 11–2 record and finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Following his college career, Klein shifted into coaching and quickly climbed the ranks. He became Kansas State’s offensive coordinator in 2022, guiding the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship and their first 10-win season without Snyder on the sideline.
For the past two seasons, Klein has served as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, helping push the Aggies to the brink of the College Football Playoff in 2025.
Now, he returns to Manhattan as the face of the program he once propelled toward national-title contention. Klein and Kansas State will open their 2026 season on Sept. 5 against Nicholls.
