Chris Klieman Set to Retire as Kansas State Football Head Coach
- Adolfo Blanco
- 7 minutes ago
- 2 min read
K-State athletics has announced in a press release that Chris Klieman will be retiring as head coach of the Kansas State football team.
"After many deep and thoughtful conversations with my family, we have decided that the time is right for me to retire from coaching," said Klieman, the second-winningest coach in school history with 54 victories. "This decision was not taken lightly and was the culmination of many factors, including my own personal health. I absolutely love coaching the game of football and developing players into young men, but now is the time for me to step away and spend more time with Rhonda and our three kids. I truly am thankful to Gene Taylor for trusting me with this program in 2018, and we have accomplished many great things including winning the 2022 Big 12 Championship. K-State will always be a special part of our family's story, and we will forever be Wildcats."
Following a report by Ned Seaton of The Manhattan Mercury at 8:00 a.m. this morning saying "Chris Klieman is set to retire as the Kansas State football coach as early as today, and his replacement is already lined up: Collin Klein."
Wildcat 91.9 has been unable to independently verify that Collin Klein will be taking over as the next head coach. The Manhattan Mercury was the first to report on this coaching transition, which was originally set to be announced this week. In Klieman's seven seasons at K-State, he has won eight or more games five times, made a bowl game in six of the seven seasons, and won a Big 12 Championship in 2022. His overall record with the Wildcats currently stands at 54-37.
After The Mercury broke the news about Klieman's retirement at 8:00 a.m., K-State Athletics released a Media Advisory rescheduling the signing day press conference, which was initially set for 11 a.m., and is now scheduled for 4 p.m. today. Director of football recruiting Taylor Braet will speak solely on those who signed with K-State on Wednesday. Afterwards, Klieman and athletics director Gene Taylor will address the media.
Following the report by the Manhattan Mercury, thousands online have started sharing their appreciations for Chris Klieman and his tenure at K-State, including former offensive line center Cooper Beebe and the K-State Football account.
This story is ongoing and will be updated as more information is released from K-State Athletics.