In a major accolade for the Kansas State Wildcats football program, head coach Chris Klieman has been officially named the Midwest Football Conference (MFC) College Coach of the Year. The prestigious honor, announced earlier today, comes after a season marked by resilience, strategic brilliance, and continued program elevation under Klieman’s leadership.
Klieman emerged as the top choice from a pool of elite candidates, narrowly edging out Kenny Dillingham of Arizona State, Sonny Dykes of TCU, and Brent Venables of Oklahoma State—all of whom led their respective teams to notable seasons in the ever-competitive Big 12 Conference.
The award is a testament to Klieman’s growing legacy at Kansas State, where he has steadily built upon the foundation laid by his predecessors while imprinting his own brand of tough, disciplined football. This season, the Wildcats showcased one of the conference’s most balanced and efficient teams, combining a physical ground game with opportunistic defense and sharp quarterback play.
Despite fierce competition across the Big 12 and a schedule filled with ranked matchups, Klieman guided Kansas State to a top-tier finish, securing crucial wins against both conference rivals and nationally ranked opponents. His steady hand and deep tactical knowledge were evident in tight games, where the Wildcats consistently outperformed expectations and demonstrated a high level of preparedness and cohesion.
Beyond the on-field accomplishments, the MFC also cited Klieman’s leadership off the field. His emphasis on player development, academic excellence, and community engagement have made him a respected figure not just within the Kansas State community, but across the college football landscape.
In a statement following the announcement, Klieman expressed gratitude for the recognition:
> “This is a team award more than anything. I’m incredibly proud of our players, our coaching staff, and the entire Kansas State community. The commitment and belief we’ve built together is what drives our success. I’m humbled and honored to receive this recognition, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”
This marks another milestone in Klieman’s decorated coaching career, which began with national titles at North Dakota State before transitioning seamlessly to the Power Five level. With this MFC Coach of the Year award, his profile continues to rise as one of college football’s most respected leaders and tacticians.
As Kansas State looks toward the upcoming season, expectations will be high—but under Chris Klieman’s leadership, the Wildcats appear more than ready to meet them.
