Waterloo Native Retires from Coaching College Football

After serving as a coach in some capacity since 1991, a Waterloo, IA native is calling it quits and stepping away from the helm of his team with whom he saw notable success.

This week, Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman announced his retirement from coaching. Per ESPN, he addressed the team and his coaching staff following a long discussion with his family. Klieman had served as the Wildcats' head coach since 2019.

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Klieman's Iowa Roots:

Chris Klieman was born in Waterloo, IA, and attended Columbus Catholic High School before heading to Northern Iowa in 1986. Klieman served as a coach for Northern Iowa in multiple capacities in two separate stints. In 2005, he was the head coach of the Loras College Duhawks right here in Dubuque. He finished 3-7 in his lone season.

From there, Klieman became the head coach of North Dakota State, winning FCS Championships four of his five years, compiling a gaudy 69-6 record overall. He departed the Bisons to take the job at Kansas State, a program that's not seen much sustained success over the years. Save for this season and the COVID-19-shortened season, Klieman led the Wildcats to five bowl games, winning three of them.

Why Chris Klieman is Retiring Now:

Patrick Mulligan, Getty Images

Despite a respectable 54-34 record with the Wildcats, Klieman endured multiple challenges this season. At multiple points during the season, it appeared that the job and the team's inconsistency was taking its toll, culminating with him launching into a rant following a 51-47 loss at Utah:

I've heard I have cashed it in. I've heard the players have cashed it in. We need to get new leadership here. We need to get new players, new coaches. I'm tired of it. I've given my friggin' [....] life for this place for seven years. I've given everything for seven years. And I think I deserve a little bit of respect. I'm frustrated like everybody else is, but I love those kids. And I'll go to friggin' battle with those kids any day - Chris Klieman, per ESPN

ESPN reports that former Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein is expected to be the successor to Klieman. Klein was a Heisman finalist during his time at Kansas State back in 2012. He currently serves as the offensive coordinator for Texas A&M.

Read more about Waterloo, IA native Chris Klieman leaving Kansas State and retiring from coaching on ESPN's website.

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