Former Kansas State football head coach Chris Klieman announced plans to step down as the Wildcats head coach on Dec. 3 following the 2025 season. After seven years at the helm, it's safe to say that Klieman left his mark on the program.
Love him or hate him, he’s making a return. This time, stepping into an entirely new role.
Former Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman is reportedly set to serve as an athletics consultant ahead of the 2026 season
Klieman was first hired in 2018 as the program's 35th head coach. He spent seven seasons as the head coach of the Wildcats, ending his career with a record of 54-34. Following a devastating road loss to Utah last season, Klieman was visibly shaken.
AD Gene Taylor with an emotional Chris Klieman following Kansas State's loss to Utah pic.twitter.com/L28o4zn6m6
— Ryan Gilbert (@RyanGilbert_) November 23, 2025
It goes without saying that after a 51-47 loss, especially in a game with potential bowl implications. In a nutshell, Klieman's reaction was understandable. Any coach who cares for his players as deeply as he does would likely feel the same way after a game like that.
Just two weeks later on Dec. 3, Klieman announced that he would not return to coaching the following season. Contrary to popular belief at the time, he's back.
According to earlier reports by On3, he's expected to serve as a consultant to Athletics Director Gene Taylor. Klieman's role is reported to be temporary, with an expected compensation of $500,000 over the course of eight months.
Other reports by The Manhattan Mercury indicate that Klieman will also lend help to first-year head coach Collin Klein. It's important to note that Klein served as an assistant under Klieman from 2019 to 2023; first as a quarterbacks coach, then as an offensive coordinator.
Klein's time initially ended when he stepped out of his role with Kansas State to become the quarterbacks coach in the SEC at Texas A&M under Mike Elko.
What that means for state of Kansas State Wildcats football
Kleiman is litte for than a familiar face in Manhattan right now. Nothing indicates that he's making decisions on roster moves or building depth charts; that responsibility likely belongs elsewhere.
This move, however, has some upside if the evaluation is set up correctly. Many former players are familiar with Klieman. Bringing in an entirely new staff, a handful of new coaches, etc. gives his former players a chance to hold on to some form of familiarity.
It has the potential to not only motivate, but provide the coaching staff with new perspectives. Klein shouldn't have any trouble figuring it out, but if problems arise, he'll know right where to turn.
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