Collin Klein is set to return to a special place as Kansas State's head football coach, marking a significant moment in his career. After a successful stint as an offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, Klein is now poised to take on the role he's always dreamed of. But it wasn't always this way. Klein's journey to becoming a head coach is a testament to his dedication and the unique opportunities that came his way.
In 2022, when Klein was named offensive coordinator at Kansas State, he fought back tears, emphasizing the immense importance of the job to him. It was a dream come true, as he was not only calling plays for a Big 12 offense but also for his alma mater, where he spent four years as a quarterback and six more as an assistant coach. This rare opportunity to stay close to home, where he met his wife and started a family, made him feel incredibly fortunate.
Fast forward to the present, and Klein's return to Kansas State as head coach is a natural progression. Chris Klieman's retirement after seven successful seasons with the Wildcats left K-State with only one candidate in mind: Klein. Despite leaving K-State two years ago to take over at Texas A&M, Klein saw this move as a necessary step in his career, paving the way for his eventual return to his alma mater as head coach.
Klein's time at K-State as a player was marked by leadership and toughness. Although he didn't have the strongest arm, he was a skilled runner, amassing 4,724 passing yards and 30 touchdowns during his four seasons as a player. He also rushed for 2,485 yards and 56 touchdowns. Klein's success as a quarterback led to K-State winning 10 games and reaching the Cotton Bowl in 2011, followed by 11 wins and a Fiesta Bowl appearance the next year. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as a senior.
Klein's professional aspirations as a quarterback in the NFL and CFL were short-lived, leading him back to K-State as an assistant coach under Bill Snyder. When Snyder retired, Klieman kept Klein on as quarterbacks coach and later promoted him to offensive coordinator. Under Klieman's leadership, K-State won 54 games, but the team truly thrived with Klein in charge of the offense.
In 2022, Klein's interim offensive coordination led to a 10-win season and a Big 12 championship, with the Wildcats averaging 32.3 points and 418.8 yards per game. The following year, K-State's offense was even stronger, averaging 37.1 points and 445.2 yards per game, resulting in nine wins and a Pop-Tarts Bowl appearance. Klein's coaching prowess continued at Texas A&M, where the Aggies averaged 36.3 points and 454.4 yards per game this season, finishing with an 11-1 record.
Now, Klein is set to return to Kansas State, a place he considers special, to take on his dream job as head football coach. This homecoming is a testament to his hard work and the unique opportunities that led him back to his roots.
