Texas A&M hires Collin Klein: Kansas State offensive coordinator leaves alma mater for same role with Aggies

The Aggies are turning to former Big 12 foe Kansas State to fill their offensive coordinator vacancy

New Texas A&M coach Mike Elko is hiring Collin Klein as his offensive coordinator after Klein has spent the past two seasons in the same role at Kansas State, according to 247Sports . Klein, 34, helped the Wildcats to an 18-8 mark during his time in the role and produced a unit that ranked No. 23 nationally in total offense this season.

The hire is a critical one for Elko, who comes from a defensive background but is tasked with breathing life into a Texas A&M program that struggled to meet offensive expectations during Jimbo Fisher's head coaching tenure. 

With the exception of a lone season at Northern Iowa, Klein has spent his entire coaching career with Kansas State after starring at quarterback for the Wildcats from 2008-12. Klein was a Heisman Trophy finalist following the 2012 season -- alongside eventual winner and Texas A&M legend Johnny Manziel. Joining the Aggies will give him a chance to shine in the SEC for a program with lofty aspirations.

While the transfer portal figures to alter A&M's personnel outlook over the coming weeks, Klein is expected to have a critical building block in quarterback Conner Weigman, who started the first five games for the Aggies in 2023 before a season-ending injury. Weigman completed 68.9% of his passes with eight touchdowns and two interceptions during that time, and the former five-star prospect also flashed the ability to make plays outside the pocket.

Klein played a critical role in the development of K-State quarterbacks Skylar Thompson and Will Howard in recent years while quarterbacks coach prior to his promotion to offensive coordinator as the Wildcats established themselves under fifth-year coach Chris Klieman.