Former Kansas State coach resurfaces as 2026 season approaches
A well-known figure is making his way back into the Kansas State football scene — none other than hometown icon Chris Klieman.
Klieman, who officially announced his retirement on Dec. 3, 2025, after seven seasons leading the Wildcats, seems poised for an unexpected comeback. Despite stepping away from coaching, he’s returning to the program in a brand-new capacity.
Chris Klieman expected to join Kansas State as an athletics consultant
Originally hired in 2018 as the Wildcats’ 35th head coach, Klieman compiled a 54–34 record across seven seasons. His final year ended on a painful note after a crushing 51–47 loss at Utah a defeat that clearly weighed on him given the game’s bowl implications.
Less than two weeks later, he publicly announced he would not coach in 2026. But the assumption that he was done with Kansas State was short-lived.
Reports from On3 reveal that Klieman will now work as a consultant for Athletics Director Gene Taylor on a temporary basis, earning an estimated $500,000 over eight months.
According to The Manhattan Mercury, he will also offer guidance to new head coach Collin Klein someone who previously served under Klieman as quarterbacks coach (2019–2021) and later as offensive coordinator (2022–2023), before leaving for an SEC role at Texas A&M under Mike Elko.
What this means for the Wildcats moving forward
At this point, Klieman’s presence appears to be more symbolic than authoritative. There’s no indication he’ll be making roster decisions or determining depth charts those duties remain with the current staff.
However, his return could bring real value. With so many new faces on the coaching staff, Klieman offers players a familiar anchor within the program. His experience could boost morale and give Klein and his coaches another seasoned voice to lean on.
Klein seems well-prepared to manage the transition, but should challenges arise, he’ll have a trusted mentor close at hand.
