“Mike Gundy a** hire,” “Kansas State fell off”: CFB fans buzz as Chris Klieman prepares to retire and Kansas State lines up his successor

Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman is set to retire, with his successor already identified. Klieman has coached the Wildcats through the past seven seasons, leading them to bowl eligibility in each season except the shortened 2020 season.

The 58-year-old is set to be succeeded by his former lieutenant and current Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein. Different reactions are trailing the report, especially among college football fans on social media platforms like X.

Cyclone Larry wrote:

“Mike Gundy a** hire.”

WildBillNC also wrote:

“Kansas State fell off this year. What happened?”

Sam asked:

“K-State fans… Is this a “retirement,” aka a nice nudge out the door? Or was he actually looking to retire before this season went poorly? I don’t remember any speculation around him retiring any time soon, is why I’m asking.”

Shannonigans commented:

“Klieman retiring the second Collin Klein became available is the most Kansas State thing ever. Man saw the Air Raid was dead and said, ‘My work here is done.’”

Clip Abernathy also commented:

“Good for Klein. Good man and has done a great job with A&M in two years.”

Don observed:

“Having the breakdown after the game versus BYU is either he knew it was his last game or he didn’t, and there’s something else healthwise he has to address. I always thought he was a good coach and wish him well.”

A look through Chris Klieman’s coaching career

Chris Klieman went 54-34 with the Wildcats over seven seasons. The highlight of his tenure came in 2022 when he led the team to a 10-4 finish and a Big 12 conference title. The coach previously coached at North Dakota, where he was from 2014 through 2018, winning four out of five NCAA Division I championships.

Chris Klieman probably had his best coaching years at North Dakota, going 60-6 in five seasons. The coach is retiring with a 126-47 record overall as a head coach. His replacement at Kansas State is no stranger to the Wildcats.

Collins Klein was the Wildcats' quarterback from 2008 through 2012 before starting his coaching career at the school in 2014 as a graduate assistant. He came back to serve as the quarterbacks coach in 2017, later gaining promotion as offensive coordinator before exiting again in 2023.

Klein has made a name as the Aggies’ offensive coordinator, helping develop quarterback Marcel Reed over the past two years.

Edited by Kayode Akinwumi