Kansas State's Expectations and Culture
Manhattan, Kansas (PSF) - Chris Klieman, the head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats football team, had a career-defining moment at AT&T Stadium when his team won the Big 12 championship in December of the previous year. However, as the focus shifted to the upcoming 2023 season during the Big 12 media days, Klieman recognized that the success of the past season brings a new set of expectations for his team. The Wildcats, who have 13 returning starters, were picked to finish second in the Big 12 preseason media poll behind Texas, with some voters still believing in their ability to repeat as league champions.
Klieman, who previously achieved great success as the coach of North Dakota State with four FCS national championships, understands the importance of maintaining a high standard and not underestimating any opponent in the competitive Big 12. While being viewed as the team to beat excites him, he emphasizes that every game is equally important, and his players should not approach any matchup with a lesser mindset. Klieman draws from his experiences at his previous school, where they had to win championships back-to-back.
The returning talent from K-State's championship-winning team includes quarterback Will Howard, who took over the starting role after Adrian Martinez's mid-season injury. Howard's performance played a significant role in the Wildcats' Big 12 championship victory, and now, in his fourth year with the team, he is ready to lead by example. Despite their previous success, Howard maintains an underdog mindset, knowing that K-State is often overlooked compared to bigger programs like Texas and Oklahoma. He believes that the team's blue-collar mentality and hunter mindset are what defines them, and they intend to maintain that identity even as reigning champions.
This season, the Big 12 will no longer follow a round-robin format due to the expansion to 14 members. K-State's schedule does not include Oklahoma, but they will face the preseason favorite Texas on the road and a revenge-seeking TCU team at home. Coach Klieman expects Howard's leadership to be instrumental in the team's success, praising his confidence, belief, and ability to weather challenges. Klieman believes that the whole team has faith in Howard and recognizes that a Big 12 championship is attainable with him at quarterback.
Klieman's leadership has created a culture of winning, as exemplified by the team's "win the dang day" mantra. The Wildcats demonstrated this culture during their 10-win season and were rewarded with a contract extension for Klieman through 2030. Now, both Klieman and his players can prove that Kansas State is a program on the rise and will not be easily pushed around.
According to K-State athletic director Gene Taylor, Klieman has successfully built a self-sustaining culture that starts with strong leadership within the locker room. Taylor sees similarities between Klieman's previous success at North Dakota State and the culture he is establishing at Kansas State. The program is determined not to be a team that can be easily overwhelmed or intimidated.