Chris Klieman has called time on his career.
The Kansas State head coach announced his retirement on Wednesday. He had been with the Wildcats since 2019 and led the team to its first Big 12 title in a decade in 2022.
Thank You, @CoachKli ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/eBJF5nbY2W
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) December 3, 2025
“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 for me to step away and spend more time with Rhonda and our three kids.”
Klieman, 58, began his coaching career in 1991 as a graduate assistant and received his first head coaching job at Div. III Loras in 2005. His first Div. I job came in 2014 with FCS school North Dakota State. With the Bison, Klieman won four Division I Championships in five years.
The Waterloo, IA native finishes his tenure in Manhattan with a 54-34 record. His 54 wins are second-most in program history.
Former K-State quarterback and current Texas A&M offensive co-ordinator Collin Klein is expected to be in the frame to replace Klieman.
