Kansas State continued to build its football program this offseason by adding experience and familiarity to its coaching and support staff, head coach Collin Klein announced last week. The moves bring a mix of returning faces and proven developers to Manhattan.

Thad Ward returns to K-State as associate head coach and wide receivers coach after three seasons at Illinois. Ward previously coached the Wildcats’ receivers during the 2022 season, when K-State went 10-4, won the Big 12 Championship and earned a Sugar Bowl berth. At Illinois, Ward served as running backs coach and assistant head coach, helping guide the Illini to consecutive nine-win seasons and back-to-back bowl victories.

Mike Schmidt was hired as offensive line coach after two seasons at San Diego State. Schmidt’s units consistently ranked among the nation’s leaders in rushing offense, including a top-20 finish in 2025. He also brings Power 4 experience from Syracuse and Mississippi State, where his lines paved the way for record-setting rushing performances.

Cory Patterson joins the Wildcats as running backs coach. Patterson has coached at Oklahoma State, Purdue and Illinois, where he helped develop All-America and NFL running back Chase Brown. He also brings a strong background as a successful high school head coach in Missouri.

Kansas State also named Jeremy Jacobs as director of strength and conditioning. An Army veteran, Jacobs comes from Texas A&M and has previous experience at LSU and Duke, adding a background in sports science, performance training and culture building as the Wildcats prepare for the upcoming season.