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New Big 12 coaches Klein and Scalley spring in as quick hires after unexpected departures
TL;DR
Collin Klein and Morgan Scalley have been appointed as new head coaches for Kansas State and Utah, respectively, following unexpected departures. Iowa State and Oklahoma State also made quick hires after their coaches left for other programs.
Key points
- Collin Klein returns to Kansas State as head coach.
- Morgan Scalley promoted to head coach at Utah.
- Iowa State and Oklahoma State also made coaching changes.
- Big 12 season opener in Ireland features TCU vs. North Carolina.
Mentioned in this story
Collin KleinMorgan ScalleyChris KliemanKyle WhittinghamMatt CampbellJimmy RogersEric MorrisMike GundyIreland
Kansas StateUtahIowa StateOklahoma State
Collin Klein has been part of Big 12 titles at Kansas State as a Heisman Trophy-finalist quarterback and an assistant coach. Now 36, he is leading the Wildcats again. With Klein, the Wildcats were one of four Big 12 schools with a new head coach during spring practice. Only a day after Chris Klieman’s unexpected decision in December to retire after a 6-6 season, the Wildcats brought home the beloved Klein after two seasons away as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, which reached the College Football Playoff last year. “We have to get this program from A to B, and how we have to get it done (is) the fastest, most efficient, and provide the best opportunity for our players,” said Klein, the QB when the Wildcats shared the league title in 2012, and the OC when they won the Big 12 championship game 10 years later. “That’s the mindset that I look through, trying to do my job better and better every single day for them.” Like K-State, Utah didn’t need long or have to look far for its new coach after an unplanned change. Kyle Whittingham surprisingly announced in December that he was stepping down after 21 seasons leading the Utes. Two weeks later, he became Michigan’s coach. The Utes needed only a day to promote Morgan Scalley from defensive coordinator, his role the past 10 seasons for Whittingham after first joining his staff in 2007 as a graduate assistant at his alma mater. Iowa State also lost its coach to the Big Ten when Matt Campbell left after 10 seasons for Penn State. The Cyclones hired 39-year-old Jimmy Rogers, who won an undefeated FCS national championship at South Dakota State in 2023 while coaching his alma mater. He was 6-6 his only season at Washington State last year. “You’re in a new location, you have to be willing to adapt,” said Rogers, whose 53 transfers in Ames included 16 he brought with him from Washington State. “It’s just being open-minded, keeping the main thing the main thing and try to make this a player-led program. But at the same time, there’s got to be structure for it to be a player-led program.” Oklahoma State went through its first spring practice in a quarter-century , who last September was fired three games into his 21st season as head coach at his alma mater. Eric Morris took over the Cowboys after North Texas got in for the first time since 1959 and made the American Athletic Conference championship game, where a loss to Tulane kept the Mean Green from making the 12-team CFP field.
Q&A
Who are the new head coaches for Kansas State and Utah?
Collin Klein is the new head coach for Kansas State, while Morgan Scalley has been promoted to head coach at Utah.
What prompted the coaching changes at Kansas State and Utah?
Kansas State's Chris Klieman retired unexpectedly, and Utah's Kyle Whittingham stepped down after 21 seasons.
Which other Big 12 teams made coaching changes this offseason?
Iowa State hired Jimmy Rogers after Matt Campbell left for Penn State, and Oklahoma State appointed Eric Morris following Mike Gundy's firing.
What is the significance of the Big 12's season opener in Ireland?
The Big 12 will have its second consecutive season opener in Ireland, featuring TCU against North Carolina on August 29.
