Collin Klein is officially at the helm in Manhattan, and the former Kansas State quarterback is wasting no time shaping his coaching staff as he steps into his first head coaching role. With two key hires already in the books-Trey Scott and Stanton Weber-Klein is laying the foundation for a staff he believes can compete at the highest level of college football. And while the Wildcats’ coaching picture is still coming into focus, the pace is picking up, with more additions potentially on the horizon.
Klein, who is finishing out the season as Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator, has a full plate. The Aggies are gearing up for a College Football Playoff run, with their first matchup set for Saturday morning against Miami.
But even with a CFP berth demanding his attention, Klein is splitting his time between College Station and Manhattan, juggling two high-stakes roles. It’s a balancing act that speaks to his commitment to both programs-finishing strong at A&M while laying the groundwork for his future at K-State.
Back in Manhattan, the offseason is already in full swing. The transfer portal is open, and Kansas State has seen several players enter their names, signaling the start of a new chapter under Klein. That makes assembling the right staff even more critical-not just for recruiting and retention, but for establishing the culture Klein wants to build from day one.
So far, Klein’s hires show a blend of familiarity and fresh perspective. Trey Scott brings a strong reputation as a defensive line coach with SEC experience, while Stanton Weber is a name K-State fans know well, returning to the program in a new capacity. These moves hint at a coaching staff that will blend outside expertise with internal continuity-a smart strategy for a first-year head coach navigating both transition and expectation.
Reports from CBS Sports and 247Sports have indicated that two more hires are in the works, though those names have yet to be officially confirmed. Behind the scenes, the search continues, with a hot board of assistant coach candidates taking shape. Some of those names have direct ties to Klein or Kansas State, while others are logical fits based on coaching style, recruiting ties, or schematic alignment.
There’s also the question of retention-who from the current staff might stay on to provide continuity and help bridge the gap between coaching regimes. That decision-making process is just as important as the new hires, especially for a program looking to maintain momentum while evolving under new leadership.
Klein’s dual role over the next few weeks will be a test of his time management and vision. But it’s also a chance for him to set the tone early-showing recruits, players, and fans that Kansas State’s next chapter is already being written, even as the final pages of his A&M tenure play out.
The coaching carousel is spinning, and Klein is right in the thick of it. But if early moves are any indication, he’s not just trying to fill out a staff-he’s building something with purpose.