Kansas State football is buzzing with excitement as program legend Collin Klein returns, bringing a fresh wave of talent to the coaching staff. One of the standout additions is offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson, a hire that has caught the attention of many, including ESPN.
Gleeson's journey to Kansas State is marked by a wealth of experience, having honed his craft at Princeton, Oklahoma State, Rutgers, and most recently, Missouri. At Missouri, he spent two seasons as the quarterbacks' coach, a role that further solidified his reputation as a dynamic offensive mind. Before that, he made significant strides at Princeton, first as the running backs coach and then as the offensive coordinator.
Gleeson steps in for Matt Wells, whose conservative strategies and struggles on early downs left the Wildcats' offense floundering at the start of the season. Expectations were high, but the execution fell short, making Gleeson's arrival a breath of fresh air for the Kansas State faithful.
In his introductory press conference on February 11, Gleeson emphasized the importance of unity and discipline. "You have to keep your discipline about going about this process," he noted.
"You have to come together as a group first before you can learn how to win and handle winning after that." His focus on cohesion is crucial, especially with new faces from the transfer portal adding to the mix.
Klein, now in charge of play-calling, will collaborate closely with Gleeson, who will bring his technical acumen from the booth. Their combined efforts aim to elevate quarterback Avery Johnson in his final season, setting the stage for a potentially transformative year.
Klein expressed his enthusiasm in an interview with the KCSN Chiefs Newsletter, highlighting the unique offensive strategies they've developed. "What we’ve been able to do offensively and even build these last couple of years is very unique," Klein shared. "I’m excited to work with Avery and this offense, and to do something special this year."
With Klein and Gleeson at the helm, Kansas State fans have plenty to look forward to as the Wildcats aim to turn potential into performance on the field.