Collin Klein stood at the podium with "Aggies" stitched across his chest, stepping into the spotlight not just as Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator, but also as the newly named head coach of Kansas State. It was a surreal moment - one foot in College Station, the other in Manhattan - as he addressed the media for the first time since accepting the job at his alma mater.
The moderator introduced him with both titles, and Klein cracked a smile. It’s a unique situation, no doubt: he’ll continue calling plays for the Aggies through their College Football Playoff run, which kicks off Saturday, Dec. 20, when Texas A&M hosts Miami (Florida) at 11 a.m. That’s not just a game - it’s a national stage, and Klein will be right in the thick of it.
Naturally, the first question was about the balancing act - how does a coach manage the pressure of leading a playoff-caliber offense while simultaneously taking the reins of a Power Five program?
“It’s definitely a challenge,” Klein admitted. “Things are moving really, really fast. When things happen, they happen quickly and, a lot of times, out of the blue.”
That whirlwind pace has defined the last couple of weeks for Klein. Since being named Kansas State’s head coach on Dec. 4, he’s been bouncing between College Station and Manhattan, trying to juggle two massive responsibilities without letting either slip. That’s meant flights, meetings, and long hours - all while game-planning for a CFP opponent and building a new coaching staff back in the Little Apple.
The key, according to Klein, has been communication - particularly with Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko. “We were able to communicate and have a plan right from the start,” Klein said. “Making sure we were on top of things and doing it the right way.”
That plan includes building out his Kansas State staff. Since his hiring, Klein has already begun shaping the Wildcats’ future.
Trey Scott has been brought in as the new general manager, Stanton Weber has taken over as special teams coordinator, and Buddy Wyatt will now coach the defensive line. On the flip side, both offensive coordinator Matt Wells and defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman are among those departing.
And while Klein’s still focused on finishing strong with the Aggies, the future staff in Manhattan is starting to take form - possibly with more familiar faces. Reports suggest that Texas A&M tight ends coach Christian Ellsworth is expected to follow Klein to Kansas State.
When asked if others from the A&M staff might join him, Klein kept it close to the vest, declining to name names. But the expectation is that more movement is coming.
Still, Klein’s priority right now is clear: keep the Aggies locked in on the task at hand.
“It’s about sending the right message to our team,” he said. “It’s about finishing and being right in the now wherever we are.”
That “be where your feet are” mindset is something Klein preaches - and lives. It’s not just coach-speak. In a college football landscape that’s evolving faster than ever, with coaching changes, transfer portal chaos, and NIL deals reshaping the calendar, adaptability is the name of the game.
Klein isn’t alone in this dual-role situation. Across the country, other coaches are navigating similar transitions.
Ole Miss will head into the CFP without Lane Kiffin, who’s now at LSU. Jon Sumrall is preparing Tulane for a playoff run while also beginning his tenure as Florida’s next head coach.
It’s sparked a broader conversation about the college football calendar - whether the current system is sustainable, and if there’s a better way to handle coaching transitions during the most critical part of the season.
Klein doesn’t pretend to have the answer.
“I don’t think there’s a perfect time or a perfect calendar that anyone could come up with,” he said. “Change is always hard, but at the same time, it’s what we preach to our players from day one.”
He pointed out how different the college football world is now compared to when he played. The transfer portal, early signing day, NIL - it’s a new era, and coaches and players alike are learning to adjust on the fly.
“You gotta be in the now, you gotta be where your feet are,” Klein said. “And you gotta do the very, very best that you can for those guys next to you, because they’re counting on you.”
For now, Klein’s feet are planted firmly in College Station. But soon enough, they’ll be back in Manhattan - and the Wildcats are counting on him to hit the ground running.