Kansas State coaching search: AD Gene Taylor claims Wildcats have 'absolutely not' spoken with Texas A&M OC Collin Klein

After seven seasons as the head coach at Kansas State, Chris Klieman announced that he would be stepping down and retiring from his position on Wednesday. Over that span, Klieman led the Wildcats to a 54-34 (36-27) record. This past season was disappointing however, as they opened the season ranked No. 17 in the AP Poll but finished just 6-6.

Following the news of Klieman’s retirement, Ned Seaton of The Manhattan Mercury reported that Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein was set to take over as the permanent head coach. Klein played quarterback at Kansas State from 2008-2012 and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting as a senior.

During a press conference on Wednesday however, Kansas State AD Gene Taylor pumped the brakes on these rumors.

“I just find it amazing that this has happened before; that somebody’s already hired the guy and I didn’t have a chance to talk to anybody yet,” Taylor said. “I just told the players the same thing. I said, ‘My job as athletic director is to figure out what the next steps are.’ My commitment to them, my commitment to other teams as changes were made, is that we’re going to go find the best coach for this program and this culture and this institution.”

“We’re gonna do it the right way and that’s gonna be the major focus. The major focus isn’t about me or winning the press conference. It’s about these players, this culture, this team, and finding the best fit for that. Whether that takes two months, or two weeks, or two days, in this environment, it’s going to happen a lot quicker, a lot more efficient, a lot faster.”

“That was my message to the players. I told them, ‘I’ve done this a few times.’ I don’t even know if I still have his number. I guess I better figure it out.”

This upcoming coaching search is the program’s first since 2019, when Klieman was brought on to replace the legendary Bill Snyder. Klein is the obvious hire, as along with being an alum, he has been one of the best play callers in the country. With the former quarterback calling plays, the Aggies are weeks away from embarking on their first ever trip to the College Football Playoff.