Kansas State AD denies communication with Texas A&M OC for HC vacancy

The news making its way around social media regarding the potential departure of Texas A&M's offensive coordinator just got more confusing, as Kansas State's athletic director denied any conversations with the current Aggie coach.

When reports began to release, it seemed the Aggies would be in the market for a new offensive play-caller at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, but the Wildcats' Gene Taylor stated he hasn't reached out to Collin Klein about becoming the next Kansas State head coach. The position opened after sitting head coach Chris Kleiman announced his retirement, with Klein reportedly named as his successor.

Klein's Kansas State roots as a former quarterback (2008-2012) and on the coaching staff in Manhattan, Kansas, from 2018-2023 run deep, which led many to believe he could receive the bump and become the new head coach.

KBTX sports reporter Travis L. Brown reported the news on Taylor's response to questions about Klein returning to Manhattan to take the reins after Kleiman's retirement:

Taylor's statement indicates no communication has been made between him and Klein about the vacancy. Still, the job opening remains one to watch, mainly once Texas A&M competes in the CFP. Klein was brought to Bryan-College Station, Texas, by head coach Mike Elko before the 2024 season, in which the Aggies' offense ranked fourth in the Southeastern Conference with 37.1 points and 286.1 yards per game.

His excellence in coaching quarterbacks throughout his coaching career has been well-highlighted, including this year's performances from sophomore Marcel Reed, who has excelled in his second year under Klein's system. Texas A&M's offense has almost doubled its total from last year's efforts, as Klein's unit ranks 20th in FBS with 454.4 yards per contest.

During Wednesday's Early Signing Day press conference with Elko, the second-year head coach gave Klein his flowers and gave the media an update on the whole situation.

"First of all, he's a phenomenal person. It starts there. He's a phenomenal leader. He's a really smart football coach. He's a really competitive guy," Elko said. "When you're around really good people, at some point, those opportunities are going to present themselves, and you're really excited when they do."

"It's probably not solidified in any way, shape or form yet. The reports tend to precede anything official," Elko said. "When you hire good people, you anticipate those opportunities will come... If we're going this right, that will be a piece of it, no different than losing players to the NFL."

Klein's success as a player, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach makes him a hot commodity for head coaching vacancies across the country and is something to monitor entering the postseason.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Kansas State AD denies communication with Texas A&M OC for HC vacancy