After a season marked by highs and lows, head coach Chris Klieman appears to be considering stepping away from his role. He finished the regular season eighth in the Big 12 with a 6-6 record and is poised to conclude his seven-year tenure at Kansas State. He has compiled a 53-34 record and secured the program’s fifth consecutive bowl appearance with a 24-14 win over Colorado in Week 14.

ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel reported the news on X: “Chris Klieman is considering stepping down at Kansas State. Nothing has been finalized, but the sides are in discussions. He’s under contract through the 2032 season. The Mercury Sports first reported possible retirement.” Thamel’s X post read.

Reasons Behind Chris Klieman’s Retirement Decision

The 2025 coaching carousel has reached nearly every corner of college football, and Chris Klieman is its latest addition. He announced his decision to retire in a public statement. He had planned to reveal the news later in the week, but a leak forced him to address it sooner than intended.

“After many deep and thoughtful conversations with my family, we have decided that the time is right for me to retire from coaching,” Klieman said in a statement. “This decision was not taken lightly and was the culmination of many factors, including my own personal health. I absolutely love coaching the game of football and developing players into young men, but now is the time.

“I’ve got to be honest with you, I’m tired of it. I’ve given my friggin’-a– life to this place for seven years. I’ve given everything for seven years. And I think I deserve something, a little respect.”

Klieman also expressed that he wanted to spend more time with his family, including his wife, Rhonda, and their three children.

Collin Klein Expected to Replace Chris Klieman as Kansas State Head Coach

Chris Klieman’s retirement means Kansas State must find a new head coach, and Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein has emerged as a leading candidate. Under his direction, the Aggies have developed into one of the nation’s strongest offenses and rank 16th nationally in points scored.

Because Texas A&M is expected to make the playoff, Klein would likely assume the role only after the Aggies’ postseason run concludes.

Chris Klieman’s Kansas State Legacy and Achievements

Over his seven seasons at Kansas State, Klieman amassed a 54-34 record. He guided the Wildcats to the 2022 Big 12 Championship, re-establishing the program as a serious contender within the conference. He also led Kansas State to bowl eligibility in nearly every season of his tenure.

Before arriving in Manhattan, he built an accomplished résumé at North Dakota State, where he won four FCS national championships in five seasons. Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor, who hired Klieman in place of Bill Snyder, had some words of gratitude.

“Following a legend was no easy task, and he quickly established himself as one of the best coaches in the Big 12 Conference and one of the most successful in our program’s history.

“He is a special person, and we have been fortunate to have him leading the young men in our program.”

Even if this year did not unfold the way he hoped, one thing remains clear: Chris Klieman is a Kansas State legend