As Collin Klein steps back at Kansas State as the head coach, many project the program to bounce back after the 2025 rollercoaster. Others don't have huge expectations for the Wildcats, given that it's Klein's first season and the team lost most of its star players.
What should the program expect from Klein in his first year? CBS Sports created a patience scale for every coaching hire in the country, giving Klein a "3" on the 1-5 scale. This projects the Wildcats will be bowl-eligible after the roster overhaul, giving Klein a decent chance at success but not rushing any results.
"With returning starter Avery Johnson back under center, the Wildcats have a proven dual-threat catalyst who already understands the speed of Big 12 play and can stress defenses in multiple ways. His long-standing relationship with Klein doesn't hurt," the article wrote.
Klein is hailed as a program legend for his tenure with Kansas State as both a quarterback and coaching assistant. He finished his playing career with 4,724 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, while rushing for 2,485 yards and 56 touchdowns. Klein then served in a plethora of roles on the sideline, including offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
One of the best rushing signal-callers in college football history, Klein's dual-threat play style helped Avery Johnson in his freshman season. Since he left, Johnson has underwhelmed in the last two seasons despite breaking a few program records. The hope is that Johnson will return to elite form with Klein calling the plays again.
"Kansas State's new coach inherits a roster built to compete immediately -- not to develop over time -- and the Wildcats' expectations reflect that reality," the article wrote. "In a league defined by quarterback-driven offenses and weekly shootouts, having an experienced playmaker like Johnson significantly shortens the rebuild timeline. The Wildcats don't need patience -- they need production, balance, and execution right away in Manhattan."
Still, so much change within the program gives Klein some breathing room to not have to win immediately.
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