Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman announced his retirement Wednesday at 4 p.m., concluding a seven-year run that included a Big 12 championship, six bowl appearances, and a culture built on integrity and player development.

“I can’t thank everybody for being here. It just goes to show me and prove to me that the good guys win and doing things the right way and doing it with class and doing it with integrity is the right way. And guys, that’s the K-State way,” Klieman said.

Reflecting on his career, Klieman emphasized relationships and leadership. “Leadership to me is how many people you can impact on a daily basis and make sure that’s a different person every day,” he said. “My entire coaching life, I’ve put other people first. And for the first time ever, I’m putting Rhonda, Devin, Haley, and Colby first.”

Klieman recounted his journey from North Dakota State to K-State. “I followed Craig Bohl after he won three consecutive national championships…We won four of five. I followed the greatest coach, in my opinion, in Bill Snyder…I’m ready to go to work. And I think we did a pretty damn good job here.”

Athletic director Gene Taylor praised Klieman and outlined the process to find his successor. “We haven’t talked to anybody yet. My job as athletic director is to figure out what the next steps are…we’re going to find the best coach for this program and this culture and this institution,” Taylor said.

Taylor addressed bowl game plans, noting Klieman “really wants me to talk to the players first and see what their interest is…let’s get with the leadership and see where they are from a bowl perspective, and then we’ll go from there.”

Regarding rumors linking Collin Klein to the job, Taylor said, “Absolutely not. I’m not even sure if I still have his number, but I guess I better find that out at some point.”

Klieman leaves a legacy of success and care for his players and staff, marking a memorable era for Wildcats football.