After seven seasons at the helm, Chris Klieman is stepping away from the Kansas State football program, announcing his retirement in a move that marks the end of a significant chapter in Manhattan. Klieman, 58, leaves behind a legacy that includes a Big 12 Championship and a steady, competitive presence in the conference-but also a 2025 season that fell well short of expectations.
The Wildcats finished the year at 6-6, a sharp drop-off after three straight seasons with at least nine wins. With dynamic quarterback Avery Johnson returning and momentum seemingly on their side, the hope was that Kansas State would be a real player in the Big 12 race this year. Instead, inconsistency and underperformance defined the campaign, and it appears that was enough for Klieman to decide it was time to step away.
In a statement released by the program, Klieman cited personal health and the desire to spend more time with family as key reasons for his decision. “This decision was not taken lightly and was the culmination of many factors,” he said. “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’s impact on the program is undeniable. Hired in 2018 by athletic director Gene Taylor, who had also worked with him at North Dakota State, Klieman brought a winning pedigree to Manhattan. He compiled a 54-34 record over seven seasons, highlighted by the 2022 Big 12 title-a season that reinforced his ability to build and lead a program capable of competing at the highest level.
Before arriving at Kansas State, Klieman was already a proven winner, having captured four FCS national championships at North Dakota State. At K-State, he carried that same culture of toughness and discipline, helping the Wildcats stay relevant in a rapidly evolving Big 12 landscape.
Now, the attention turns to the future-and all signs point to Collin Klein as the frontrunner to take over. Klein, currently the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, is a name that resonates deeply with Kansas State fans.
A former star quarterback for the Wildcats and a former OC at the school, Klein is seen as a natural fit to lead the next era of K-State football. The move would be more than just a homecoming-it would be a continuation of the identity Klieman helped shape, with a familiar face ready to build on that foundation.
Klein’s potential return would also be a symbolic passing of the torch. He’s someone who understands the culture, knows the expectations, and has already shown promise as a play-caller. If Kansas State is indeed looking to keep things in the family while injecting new energy into the program, Klein checks all the boxes.
As for Klieman, he exits with his head held high. He brought stability, success, and a championship to a program that was searching for its post-Bill Snyder identity.
And while the 2025 season didn’t go as planned, his overall body of work speaks for itself. Kansas State fans will remember him not just for the wins, but for the way he carried the program-with integrity, toughness, and a deep respect for what it means to wear purple.
The Wildcats now face a pivotal moment. With a promising young quarterback in Avery Johnson and a potential new head coach who already knows the terrain, the pieces are there for a quick rebound. But whoever takes over will have big shoes to fill-and a proud legacy to uphold.