Kansas State adds Matt Wells as co-OC/quarterbacks coach
Kansas State has filled the open vacancy on their coaching staff with Matt Wells. The former Texas Tech Head Coach comes to Manhattan to serve in a co-offensive coordinator role with Conor Riley after Collin Klein departed K-State for Texas A&M last month.
Wells will also serve as the quarterbacks coach, the role Klein had. Meanwhile, Riley will continue as the offensive line coach for the Wildcats as well.
Wells was hired by Texas Tech to be their head coach in the same offseason Chris Klieman came to K-State. Eventually fired midway through his third season with the Red Raiders, after spending the previous six seasons as head coach at Utah State.
Klieman has repeatedly spoken of his relationship with Wells. Even referencing him as one of his “closest friends” in the coaching profession. Now the duo will get a chance to serve on the same coaching staff.
Wells steps into a situation as quarterbacks coach where he will oversee Avery Johnson, Jacob Knuth and Blake Barnett in the quarterback room. Johnson just completed his first career start in the Pop-Tarts. Bowl, going for three total touchdowns and making plays with his arm and legs.
Johnson remaining at Kansas State is a significant vote of confidence for Klieman’s ability to rebuild his staff and delegate offensive decision makers. The transfer portal entry window closed on January 2nd.
The past two seasons Wells spent time at Oklahoma as an offensive analyst under Brent Venables. While in Norman, Dillon Gabriel was one of the top statistical quarterbacks in the Big 12. Gabriel threw for over 3,000 yards in both seasons and totaled 55 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
For the time being, Kansas State now has filled all open coaching positions on their staff. At the current time, there is no indication of who will handle play-calling duties between Riley and Wells.
