Who is Collin Klein?

From a record-setting quarterback to now the 36th head coach in program history, Collin Klein’s path back to Manhattan reflects both continuity and change, which is the foundation of what he calls the “new old school.”

“What is our mission moving forward?” Klein said at his introductory press conference. “We’re going to be the new old school. We’re going to stay true to a value system that has been in place for a very, very long time, and we are going to move our program forward and take the steps necessary to chase excellence in everything we do.”

That idea of holding onto tradition while evolving with changing times defines Klein’s journey.

A Loveland, Colorado native, Klein became one of the most accomplished players in school history during his time at Kansas State from 2009 to 2012. 

Under the tutelage of Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder, Klein led the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship, a No. 1 national ranking and a Fiesta Bowl appearance in 2012, finishing his career as a Heisman Trophy finalist and later earning a place in the program’s Ring of Honor.

But his impact didn’t stop there.

Klein quickly transitioned into coaching, working his way up through roles as a graduate assistant, quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at K-State, with a stop at Northern Iowa and most recently Texas A&M along the way.

Now, he returns not just as a former player, but as the leader of the program he once helped define.
Those who have been around him say that the role fits.

“Collin is, first and foremost, a quality young man — a very special person,” Snyder said. “I think he’s well qualified to step into that role.”

That perspective extends beyond former coaches. Curry Sexton, a former K-State wide receiver who became a leader in the program’s NIL efforts, said Klein’s success isn’t just about what he’s accomplished, but how he’s done it.

“He’s an excellent fit,” Sexton said. “He’s won here as a player and a coach, and as K-State football history tells us, there’s not an easy recipe for winning in Manhattan. He’s done that, so he knows what it takes.”

Sexton pointed to Klein’s approach — both professionally and personally — as what separates him. That combination, Sexton said, shows up in how Klein builds a program.

“He’s going to outwork his competitors, and he’s a brilliant football mind,” Sexton said. “But more than that, he’s a good human being. He’s down to earth, he’s humble, and that’s going to lead him well.

“That’s going to lead to positive outcomes for Kansas State.”

It’s that balance of toughness and humility, tradition and growth that sits at the center of Klein’s “new old school.”

And as he steps into the head coaching role, it’s the same identity that now shapes the future of Kansas State football.