When you retain a program legend as your head coach, it's very difficult for outsiders to put a cap on that team's potential.
That's the case for Kansas State coach Collin Klein, whose move back to Manhattan, KS, is already loved by many. The Athletic was the latest to laud Klein's hire, giving it a "B" for the institution's 36th head coach.
The article wrote:
"It’s no surprise K-State brought back its former Heisman finalist and offensive coordinator. He’s a protégé of both the legendary Bill Snyder and successor Chris Klieman. It’s impossible to say how Klein, 36, will fare as a head coach, but the fan base would have been bummed if it wasn’t him."
Klein was integral to two of Kansas State's Big 12 championships: as the quarterback in 2012 and as the offensive coordinator in 2022. Klein finished his playing career with 4,724 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, with 2,485 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns. He is fifth all-time in rushing touchdowns (56) among college football quarterbacks.
On the sidelines, Klein helped develop the likes of Will Howard, DJ Giddens, Deuce Vaughn, and Avery Johnson. He had a brief stint at Texas A&M over the past two seasons, helping quarterback Marcel Reed and the Aggies' offense continue the program's success to be one of the nation's best.
Back at the helm, Klein was the fan favorite to return after Chris Klieman's retirement. The Wildcats want to redeem themselves from last year's rollercoaster season. What was supposed to be a dominant year turned out to be one of the most disappointing in recent memory. Kansas State was predicted to win the Big 12 and potentially go to the playoffs, but flamed out and barely won six games. Klein is already establishing that fire that made him such a beloved star years ago.
"We’re gonna start fast and finish faster," Klein said in a recent interview. "In today’s world of college football, you have one year to develop this team. We're gonna maximize every opportunity to the fullest, and we’re going to attack it right from the jump. The only way that you get better at playing football is by playing football. We’re gonna utilize every inch of capacity."
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