Chris Klieman says K-State may explore new football uniforms following Nike extension
The Kansas State athletic department has decided to extend its apparel contract with Nike, and that could be good news for anyone who wants to see the Wildcats in new football uniforms.
“I don’t think we’re going to change to lavender or black uniforms tomorrow,” K-State football coach Chris Klieman said, “but now we at least can start having some conversations.”
Football uniforms are always a hot topic in Manhattan. The Wildcats have mostly worn the same traditional outfit since Bill Snyder coached his first game with K-State in 1989. So much so that silver pants, purple jerseys and silver helmets have become synonymous with the team’s success over the past three decades.
Some are happy to see K-State wear the same color combinations every single week. Others are ravenous for alternate uniforms like you see elsewhere in college football.
Klieman has experimented with some subtle changes since he took over five years ago. The Wildcats have worn white pants and white helmets, as well as alternate logos. But they have mostly stayed true to their roots when it comes to uniforms.
Earlier this year, Klieman made it sound like new uniforms weren’t a priority for him or athletic director Gene Taylor.
“I don’t you know whether or not you can say I’m a traditionalist or Gene is,” Klieman said, “but we’re not going to have lavender uniforms this year. Gene sure isn’t going to have black uniforms this year. I want (it to be that): Whatever we’re going to be in, we’re going to be successful ... and the kids are just worried about playing. Last year, that worked out pretty dang well.”
Indeed, K-State won a Big 12 championship last season while wearing its traditional uniforms in 13 of its 14 games. The one time the Wildcats tried something different, they lost at home to Tulane.
Coaches are a superstitious bunch, so sticking with tradition was understandable.
But it’s also possible that K-State was also reluctant to dive in headfirst on the idea of new uniforms without a long-term contract with an apparel provider. Its current deal with Nike is set to expire at the end of the 2023 athletic year. The Wildcats pondered the idea of switching to under Under Armour in 2024 and beyond, but they decided to stick with Nike.
Once both sides sign an extension, perhaps they can begin exploring some new uniform options.
Klieman was quick to point out that any changes will “take time.” And Taylor has already said that black uniforms are “not happening.” But other options could be on the table now that K-State and Nike are moving forward with a new deal.
“I’m excited to continue the partnership,” Klieman said. “We have been in Nike ever since I’ve been here. I know that some other conversations were had, probably more with Gene and our administration than with myself, but I’m excited and I know our kids are excited to continue the partnership. The guys like the product.”
This story was originally published September 13, 2023 at 9:45 AM with the headline "Chris Klieman says K-State may explore new football uniforms following Nike extension."