MANHATTAN — Kansas State football coach Chris Klieman is "considering stepping down at Kansas State," according to a national report.
A report by the Manhattan Mercury early on Tuesday, Dec. 3, said Klieman is set to retire and that former Wildcats quarterback Collin Klein is lined up to replace him.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAn hour after the report, ESPN's Pete Thamel posted on X, citing sources, saying that Klieman is "considering stepping down" at Kansas State, and that the sides are in discussions. Thamel noted "nothing has been finalized." He then said that Klein would be the Wildcats' target, noting mutual interest.
MANHATTAN, KS - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Chris Klieman of the Kansas State Wildcats looks on before a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)Kansas State did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. Klieman is supposed to address the media at 11 a.m. on Tuesday as part of early signing day.
K-State is 53-34 in seven years under Klieman and earned its fifth-straight bowl appearance with its win over Colorado last weekend.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKlieman is under contract through the 2032 season. Unless negotiated, Klieman would owe the university $6 million if he were to leave on his own.
Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Network and Topeka Capital-Journal. You can follow him on X at @WyattWheeler_, contact him at 417-371-6987 or email him at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Chris Klieman considering stepping down as Kansas State coach
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