North Dakota State University is back in the FCS semifinals
for an eighth straight season.
For the second time, they’ll be in search of a new coach during a playoff run.
In 2013, Craig Bohl was named the head coach of Wyoming, after the Bison dismantled Furman 38-7 in the second round of the FCS playoffs.
Chris Klieman, who succeeded Bohl, was introduced as the
head coach at Kansas State on Wednesday afternoon.
Speculation, rumors and gossip was nearing an all-time high
over the past couple weeks around Klieman’s future.
Will he be offered a job elsewhere? Why would he leave the
best team in the FCS? Would Kansas State
athletic director Gene Taylor think of reuniting with Klieman?
On Monday and in previous media appearances, Klieman was
asked about the Kansas State opening.
To which he replied on Monday afternoon, just after 2 p.m., “Nothing has changed from when we
talked on Saturday. I’ll learn more about it either today, tonight or tomorrow.”
Within less than four hours of his statement, word spread of Klieman accepting an offer to become the next head coach at Kansas State.
Klieman spoke to the football team last week about his conversations with Kansas State and broke the official news to the players and coaching staff at practice on Monday.
“He was full of emotion,” said NDSU wide receiver Dallas Freeman. “Kansas State doesn’t know what they’re getting, he’s a tremendous guy and everyone has the most respect for him and I’m glad he got the opportunity.”
On Tuesday, Klieman logged a number of miles after putting in a full day at NDSU. He headed from Fargo, North Dakota to Manhattan, Kansas.
Klieman was given the red carpet treatment. A private jet, took him and his family down, where the marching band, cheerleaders and Gene Taylor awaited.
From shacking hands, taking photos and getting a landscape of what KSU had to offer, he addressed his Wildcat team for the first time.
Character.
Work Ethic.
A burning desire to compete.
Coach Klieman |
#KStateFB
pic.twitter.com/UkFLGRtAYD
— K-State Football (@KStateFB)
December 12, 2018
At that moment, you wonder what was going through his head. Seeing his new team, making that first impression on a very late Tuesday night in Manhattan.
Then Wednesday came, where Klieman was able to answer, address and describe his unique situation. He’s the head coach at NDSU and now KSU, until the playoff run is over for the Bison.
What’s next for Klieman is a balancing attack, handling the duties and responsibilities of a dual head coach.
This could be his final hours as a coach for NDSU, our it could be prolonged for a couple weeks, if the Bison can get past South Dakota State on Friday night.
All I know is this, Klieman is still talking about NDSU and how he wants to send 24 seniors out on the right foot.
He can leave a remarkable stamp on the Bison football program. National champions in 2014, 2015, 2017 and potentially 2018.
That would be one more than Bohl, who won titles in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
The last loss under Klieman, came on November 4, 2017 against SDSU in the regular season.
If the Bison win against the Jackrabbits on Friday and can win in the FCS championship, he’ll leave the program with a 21-game winning streak.
Simply all the best to Chris Klieman and his family. Many have said it and it’s oh so true. A class act deserves the best and Kansas State you got a gem.
Kansas State Contract
Six-year deal with a starting base salary of $2.3 million, plus a $200,000 increase each year.
Not to mention bonuses:
$50,000 if KSU wins six regular season games and is selected for a bowl game all the way to $350,000 if the Wildcats win the national championship.
In comparison, Klieman had a base salary of $300,000 at NDSU.
Next Up
NDSU hosts SDSU in the semifinals on Friday night at 7 on ESPN2.
