Chris Klieman promotes Matt Wells into new role as Kansas State offensive coordinator
A familiar face will call plays for the Kansas State offense next season.
Chris Klieman has promoted Matt Wells to the role of offensive coordinator as he begins his second year as an assistant coach with the Wildcats.
Wells will take over for Conor Riley, who recently left K-State for a job coaching offensive linemen with the Dallas Cowboys.
“We are fortunate to have someone experienced on staff in Matt, who I have known for 12-plus years and will seamlessly transition into the offensive coordinator role,” Klieman said. “He worked closely with Conor last season and had a big part in our offensive production. His resume speaks for itself, and his relationship with and development of Avery Johnson and our other quarterbacks will help our offense continue to grow.”
This was an easy choice for Klieman.
The Wildcats need some form of continuity at offensive coordinator after bidding farewell to Courtney Messingham, Collin Klein and Riley in the past four years. Wells will provide it after he spent all of last season working with starting quarterback Avery Johnson as co-offensive coordinator and QBs coach.
Even though Riley called plays last season, Wells had input on the game plan. He helped the Wildcats average 31 points and 401 yards as they won nine games.
“It is such an honor to coach here at K-State, and I am thankful to Coach Klieman for this opportunity,” Wells said. “I have grown to love this school and our players throughout this past year. I am excited for this upcoming season and looking forward to building upon this offense with our players and staff.”
Wells made an impact last season. He hit the ground running with Johnson and helped the sophomore quarterback throw a school-record 25 touchdown passes to go along with 2,712 passing yards.
Under the direction of Wells, Johnson guided an offense that finished in the top 15 nationally in four offensive categories, including rushing yards per carry (6.08) and rushing yards per game (215.5).
Wells has plenty of high-level coaching experience at the college level.
He has been a head coach at both Utah State and Texas Tech, as well as an offensive analyst at Oklahoma. He began coaching in 1997 at Navy and had stops at Tulsa, New Mexico and Louisville before he got his big break at Utah State and led the Aggies to several bowl games.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love thrived as a college passer under Wells.
Wells will try to find similar results with Johnson next season at K-State as he takes over as offensive coordinator.
This story was originally published February 10, 2025 at 8:23 AM with the headline "Chris Klieman promotes Matt Wells into new role as Kansas State offensive coordinator."