Kansas State's Collin Klein Appreciative Of Chris Klieman Paving The Way

Kansas State Wildcats coach Collin Klein has gone out of his way to thank others who made it possible for him to land his dream job. 

Klein is coaching in the same place where he was a star quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate. None of it would have been possible had his predecessor not given him an opportunity to join the Wildcats staff. 

Keiman was on hand for Klein's first game last Saturday against Nicholls. The former coach was honored before the game. 

"It was special," Klein said. "There's so much I could say, and it's hard, and I've tried to say it as best I can in as many different ways. But, I just think there's so much that I owe him from a development standpoint and from a relationship standpoint. What he did for me on and off the field during our time together, I just can't thank him enough. Howe everything has worked out – and I've said it the whole time – is very not normal in this crazy world and profession."

Klieman resigned after last season following a disappointing 6-6 season. He was 54-34 in seven seasons in charge of the program. Klein was on Klieman's staff from 2017-2023 before he left to take the offensive coordinator job with the Texas A & M Aggies. 

After two seasons there, Klein couldn't pass up the opportunity to replace Klieman. Klein said Klieman's legacy at K-State is right up there with the legendary Bill Snyder, who helped turn the program from a doormat to a title contender. 

"Well, two things," Klein said. "I think first, and what would be most important to him, is he was the same person of high character and integrity every single day, no matter what. That's what he would care about the most. The second is champion. He won this league and carried on a standard of excellence, like you said, no one else thought could. He's incredible."

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]