Collin Klein returns to Kansas State as head coach on 5-year deal

kansas state Legend Colin Klein is coming home.

Klein, a 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist and former Kansas State assistant at quarterback for the Wildcats, was named the team’s coach Thursday night, receiving a five-year contract that averages $4.3 million annually.

Klein, who is in his second season as Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator, will be introduced to Kansas State on Friday afternoon. He is expected to remain with No. 7 Texas A&M during the upcoming College Football Playoff.

Klein will replace Chris Kleiman, who announced his retirement on Wednesday after seven seasons, which included a Big 12 title in 2022.

“We are excited to welcome one of our all-time great players to Manhattan,” Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor said in a statement. “Colin is a tremendous leader who cares deeply about his players. The grit, toughness and aggression he displayed as a player still fuels him as a coach today, and he is committed to continuing the tremendous success this program has achieved.”

Klein’s return had been widely expected since news leaked about Kleiman’s retirement. Asked about Klein as a replacement candidate on Wednesday, Taylor said, “I’m not even sure if I still have him [phone] Number.”

A member of the Ring of Honor who led Kansas State to a 21–5 record as the starting quarterback in 2011 and 2012, Klein will become the first Kansas State alumnus to lead the program since Ellis Reinsberger from 1975 to 1977. Klein spent as a Wildcats assistant from 2017 to 2023, and the team went 19–8 with him as offensive coordinator.

He left for Texas A&M and helped the team to an 11–1 regular season record. He was also named a semi-finalist for the Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant.

“My family and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to come home,” Klein said in a statement. “Thank you to the President [Richard] Linton and Gene Taylor for believing in us to lead the Cats into a new era. “There is a long legacy of service, hard work, determination and competitive greatness that I am honored to carry forward as the head coach at Kansas State.”

Kansas State finished the regular season at 6–6. Sources told ESPN that although it is possible the team may decline the bowl invitation, no decision has been made.