Chris Klieman's tenure at Kansas State, succeeding the legendary Bill Snyder, was defined by blue-collar toughness and steady success. Imported from FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, where he won four national titles, Klieman swiftly instilled a culture of discipline and player development. His philosophy prioritized physicality and winning in the trenches. His greatest on-field achievement came in 2022 when he guided the Wildcats to a Big 12 Championship, solidifying his impressive overall record of 54-34 over seven seasons. Klieman's era was about maintaining relevance and grit in a constantly changing Big 12 landscape.

The foundation of Klieman’s most successful period involved program legend Collin Klein. Klein first became an icon in Manhattan as the “Minister of Mayhem,” a Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback in 2012 who led the team to a conference title. He later returned to K-State as an assistant coach, earning a promotion to Offensive Coordinator under Klieman in 2022. This partnership proved potent: Klein designed the low-turnover, high-efficiency offense that powered the Wildcats to the 2022 Big 12 crown.

The veteran head coach entrusting his offense to a beloved alum established Klein as the clear heir apparent. Though Klein briefly left to serve as the Offensive Coordinator for Texas A&M, his ties to Manhattan never wavered. Following reports in late 2025 that Klieman was retiring, Klein emerged as the undisputed choice to take over as head coach. This transition ensures a seamless return to the core program identity—the "Wildcat Way"—while injecting a fresh, dynamic perspective into the program’s future leadership.

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