Kansas State hires Klein as next coach

Kansas State has hired Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein as its next head coach, the program announced Thursday.

Klein received a five-year contract from Kansas State, with an average annual base salary of $4.3 million.

A Heisman finalist in 2012 as a quarterback for the Wildcats, Klein will succeed Kansas State's former coach Chris Klieman, who announced his retirement earlier this week.

"We are excited to welcome one of our all-time greats back home to Manhattan," athletic director Gene Taylor said in a statement. "Collin is a tremendous leader who cares deeply about his players. The grit, toughness, and aggression he displayed as a player still fuels him today as a coach, and he is determined to carry on the tremendous success this program has achieved."

Klein will remain with Texas A&M throughout the Aggies' playoff run.

He's best remembered for leading Kansas State to a 21-5 record as its starting quarterback, including a 10-0 start in 2012.

In addition to his playing career with the Wildcats, Klein also previously worked on the team's coaching staff. He served as offensive coordinator for two seasons from 2022 through 2023 before taking the Texas A&M job.

Klieman is expected to remain with Kansas State through its bowl game. He put together a 54-34 record with the Wildcats, which includes a 6-6 mark this year.