Highlights from Collin Klein's first day as K-State coach

Collin Klein's first 24 hours as K-State head coach were plenty busy. These six articles highlight his early actions and the reactions of influential figures in K-State football. Klein landed a recruit on his first day, securing a commitment from Josiah Vilmael, a defensive back. Klein also called Bill Snyder to thank him for his mentorship and invited him to his introductory news conference.

Snyder expressed pride in Klein's new role in an exclusive interview with The Eagle/Star's Kellis Robinett.

During his introduction, Klein fired up K-State fans with bold statements about pushing the team's competitive edge and maintaining a strong team culture. These actions set an active tone for Klein's future leadership of the Wildcats.

New Kansas State football coach Collin Klein greets fans at the airport on Dec. 5, 2025. By Kellis Robinett

NO. 1: COLLIN KLEIN GETS ‘SURREAL’ WELCOME UPON ARRIVAL AS KANSAS STATE FOOTBALL COACH

It was fitting that Collin Klein held his first interview as Kansas State’s head football coach in front of a Christmas tree. | Published December 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

Former Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein holds up a jersey after athletic director Gene Taylor introduced Klein as the team’s next head coach on Friday during an event at the Morgan Family Arena in Manhattan. Klein is currently the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M. This will be his first head coaching job. By Travis Heying

NO. 2: HERE’S WHAT COLLIN KLEIN SAID TO FIRE UP K-STATE FANS ON DAY 1 AS FOOTBALL COACH

Every time Kansas State hires a new football coach, the introductory news conference is an event. | Published December 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

Legendary former Kansas State coach Bill Snyder watches as his former quarterback, Collin Klein, was introduced as the team’s next head coach on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, during an event at the Morgan Family Arena in Manhattan. By Travis Heying

NO. 3: ‘VERY PROUD’: BILL SNYDER SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON NEW K-STATE COACH COLLIN KLEIN

Bill Snyder was one of the first people Collin Klein called after Kansas State hired him as its new head football coach this week. | Published December 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

Kansas State football coach Collin Klein arrives at the airport in Manhattan. By Kellis Robinett

NO. 4: COLLIN KLEIN LANDS FOOTBALL RECRUIT ON HIS FIRST DAY AS KANSAS STATE HEAD COACH

Kansas State hired Collin Klein as its new head football coach Thursday night. | Published December 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

Former Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein is gifted his signature visor as he was introduced as the team’s next head coach by athletic director Gene Taylor on Friday during an event at the Morgan Family Arena in Manhattan. By Travis Heying

NO. 5: KANSAS STATE WILL WAIT FOR GUIDANCE FROM BIG 12 BEFORE DECIDING ITS BOWL FATE

For now, it remains unclear whether the Kansas State football team will finish its season in a bowl game. | Published December 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

Offensive coordinator Collin Klein of the Kansas State Wildcats looks on before a game against the South Dakota Coyotes at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Manhattan, Kansas. By Peter Aiken

NO. 6: KANSAS STATE HIRES FORMER QUARTERBACK COLLIN KLEIN AS NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

Collin Klein and the Kansas State football team have a long history together. | Published December 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.