Deadspin | Chris Klieman steps down at K-State; former QB Collin Klein reportedly set to replace

Deadspin | Chris Klieman steps down at K-State; former QB Collin Klein reportedly set to replace

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Oct 25, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman on the sidelines against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half of the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

A major coaching change is occurring in Manhattan, Kan., with a replacement reportedly already lined up.

Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman announced his retirement at 58 on Wednesday afternoon. His successor is expected to be former Kansas State quarterback and offensive coordinator Collin Klein, currently offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, according to multiple reports.

“After many deep and thoughtful conversations with my family, we have decided that the time is right for me to retire from coaching,” Klieman said. “This decision was not taken lightly and was the culmination of many factors, including my own personal health. I absolutely love coaching the game of football and developing players into young men, but now is the time for me to step away and spend more time with (wife) Rhonda and our three kids.

“I truly am thankful to (athletic director) Gene Taylor for trusting me with this program in 2018, and we have accomplished many great things, including winning the 2022 Big 12 Championship. K-State will always be a special part of our family’s story, and we will forever be Wildcats.”

Klieman, 54-34 at Kansas State, is the school’s second-winningest coach behind predecessor Bill Snyder (215-117-1).

In addition to the Big 12 title in 2022, he guided the Wildcats to five bowl appearances since being hired away from North Dakota State, where he won four FCS National Championships.

Klein, 36, was an assistant coach under Klieman and spent two of his five seasons on staff as the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator. He has been the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M for the past two seasons.

Reports indicate that Klein would continue coaching the Aggies’ offense during its expected upcoming playoff run.

Among his many accomplishments on the field at Kansas State, Klein was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2012 and piloted the Wildcats to the Fiesta Bowl.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Brooks Koepka commits to alternate-field event ahead of PGA Championship Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images Brooks Koepka continues to prove his willingness to play in second-tier events as he grinds to stay in good form ahead of the final three 2026 majors. As part of his immediate return to the PGA Tour through the hastily-created Returning Player Program after Koepka parted with LIV Golf, he is ineligible to accept sponsors exemptions into 2026 signature events. With two such events leading up to next month’s PGA Championship, Koepka has committed to next week’s alternate-field event, the Myrtle Beach Classic. Among his five major titles, Koepka has a trio of PGA Championship victories. Myrtle Beach and its million purse present a final tune-up opportunity for Koepka while the majority of the tour’s marquee players will be competing for million at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte. Myrtle Beach does provide an additional opportunity for Koepka. Should he win the event, Koepka would earn a spot into the final two signature events of the season at the Memorial and Travelers championships. Koepka is coming off a missed cut with teammate Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic. That followed a solid T-12 at the Masters. He does have four top-20 finishes in his past five stroke-play events, sitting 59th in the FedEx Cup standings. He was the first alternate two weeks ago at the RBC Heritage, where Koepka was seen waiting out the first-round tee times in the event that someone withdrew. His presence at the Myrtle Beach Classic will provide the third-year event with a rare marquee name. “Having Brooks Koepka commit to the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is a tremendous moment for our tournament and our community,” tournament director Darren Nelson said, per the Post and Courier. “He’s one of the most accomplished players of his generation, and his presence speaks to the continued momentum of this event on the PGA TOUR calendar.” The PGA Championship will begin May 14 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brooks #Koepka #commits #alternatefield #event #ahead #PGA #ChampionshipApr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Brooks Koepka continues to prove his willingness to play in second-tier events as he grinds to stay in good form ahead of the final three 2026 majors.

As part of his immediate return to the PGA Tour through the hastily-created Returning Player Program after Koepka parted with LIV Golf, he is ineligible to accept sponsors exemptions into 2026 signature events. With two such events leading up to next month’s PGA Championship, Koepka has committed to next week’s alternate-field event, the Myrtle Beach Classic.

Among his five major titles, Koepka has a trio of PGA Championship victories. Myrtle Beach and its $4 million purse present a final tune-up opportunity for Koepka while the majority of the tour’s marquee players will be competing for $20 million at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte.

Myrtle Beach does provide an additional opportunity for Koepka. Should he win the event, Koepka would earn a spot into the final two signature events of the season at the Memorial and Travelers championships.


Koepka is coming off a missed cut with teammate Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic. That followed a solid T-12 at the Masters. He does have four top-20 finishes in his past five stroke-play events, sitting 59th in the FedEx Cup standings.

He was the first alternate two weeks ago at the RBC Heritage, where Koepka was seen waiting out the first-round tee times in the event that someone withdrew. His presence at the Myrtle Beach Classic will provide the third-year event with a rare marquee name.

“Having Brooks Koepka commit to the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is a tremendous moment for our tournament and our community,” tournament director Darren Nelson said, per the Post and Courier. “He’s one of the most accomplished players of his generation, and his presence speaks to the continued momentum of this event on the PGA TOUR calendar.”

The PGA Championship will begin May 14 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Brooks #Koepka #commits #alternatefield #event #ahead #PGA #Championship">Deadspin | Brooks Koepka commits to alternate-field event ahead of PGA Championship Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images Brooks Koepka continues to prove his willingness to play in second-tier events as he grinds to stay in good form ahead of the final three 2026 majors. As part of his immediate return to the PGA Tour through the hastily-created Returning Player Program after Koepka parted with LIV Golf, he is ineligible to accept sponsors exemptions into 2026 signature events. With two such events leading up to next month’s PGA Championship, Koepka has committed to next week’s alternate-field event, the Myrtle Beach Classic. Among his five major titles, Koepka has a trio of PGA Championship victories. Myrtle Beach and its million purse present a final tune-up opportunity for Koepka while the majority of the tour’s marquee players will be competing for million at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte. Myrtle Beach does provide an additional opportunity for Koepka. Should he win the event, Koepka would earn a spot into the final two signature events of the season at the Memorial and Travelers championships. Koepka is coming off a missed cut with teammate Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic. That followed a solid T-12 at the Masters. He does have four top-20 finishes in his past five stroke-play events, sitting 59th in the FedEx Cup standings. He was the first alternate two weeks ago at the RBC Heritage, where Koepka was seen waiting out the first-round tee times in the event that someone withdrew. His presence at the Myrtle Beach Classic will provide the third-year event with a rare marquee name. “Having Brooks Koepka commit to the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is a tremendous moment for our tournament and our community,” tournament director Darren Nelson said, per the Post and Courier. “He’s one of the most accomplished players of his generation, and his presence speaks to the continued momentum of this event on the PGA TOUR calendar.” The PGA Championship will begin May 14 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brooks #Koepka #commits #alternatefield #event #ahead #PGA #Championship

Deadspin | Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza to wear No. 15 with blessing from Tom Flores Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will wear jersey No. 15 with the Las Vegas Raiders. The selection of that jersey number comes with the blessing of Hall of Famer Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Raiders as well as the first quarterback in franchise history. Flores wore the No. 15 with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1960-66. “He deserves my blessing,” Flores said, per the team website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.” Flores, 89, didn’t stop there. “He’s perfect,” Flores said of Mendoza. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch. … Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.” Mendoza repaid the compliment upon hearing it. “He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza said. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization. I can’t thank (Flores) enough. I’m so blessed.” Flores, obviously, wasn’t the only player to wear No. 15 with the Raiders, who don’t retire jersey numbers. Fellow quarterbacks Jeff Hostetler, Matt Flynn and Gardner Minshew II have won the number, as well as wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Nelson Agholor. Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores in his lone season with Indiana after transferring from Cal (2023-24). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raiders #Fernando #Mendoza #wear #blessing #Tom #FloresApr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will wear jersey No. 15 with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The selection of that jersey number comes with the blessing of Hall of Famer Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Raiders as well as the first quarterback in franchise history. Flores wore the No. 15 with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1960-66.

“He deserves my blessing,” Flores said, per the team website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

Flores, 89, didn’t stop there.

“He’s perfect,” Flores said of Mendoza. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch. … Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.”


Mendoza repaid the compliment upon hearing it.

“He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza said. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization. I can’t thank (Flores) enough. I’m so blessed.”

Flores, obviously, wasn’t the only player to wear No. 15 with the Raiders, who don’t retire jersey numbers. Fellow quarterbacks Jeff Hostetler, Matt Flynn and Gardner Minshew II have won the number, as well as wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Nelson Agholor.

Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores in his lone season with Indiana after transferring from Cal (2023-24).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Raiders #Fernando #Mendoza #wear #blessing #Tom #Flores">Deadspin | Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza to wear No. 15 with blessing from Tom Flores Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will wear jersey No. 15 with the Las Vegas Raiders. The selection of that jersey number comes with the blessing of Hall of Famer Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Raiders as well as the first quarterback in franchise history. Flores wore the No. 15 with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1960-66. “He deserves my blessing,” Flores said, per the team website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.” Flores, 89, didn’t stop there. “He’s perfect,” Flores said of Mendoza. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch. … Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.” Mendoza repaid the compliment upon hearing it. “He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza said. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization. I can’t thank (Flores) enough. I’m so blessed.” Flores, obviously, wasn’t the only player to wear No. 15 with the Raiders, who don’t retire jersey numbers. Fellow quarterbacks Jeff Hostetler, Matt Flynn and Gardner Minshew II have won the number, as well as wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Nelson Agholor. Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores in his lone season with Indiana after transferring from Cal (2023-24). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raiders #Fernando #Mendoza #wear #blessing #Tom #Flores

Deadspin | Two-way Florida football player ranked No. 1 in 2028 class by 247Sports A general view during the South Bend Riley-South Bend Washington high school football game on Friday, September 23, 2022, at TCU School Field in South Bend, Indiana. South Bend Riley Vs South Bend Washington A’mir Sears, a rising high school junior being compared to two-way NFL player Travis Hunter, is the No. 1 player in the Class of 2028, according to 247Sports, which released its first rankings for the group on Wednesday. He also received the first — and only, for now — 5-star ranking in the class. Listed at 6-foot-1, 178 pounds, Sears was a wide receiver and defensive back at West Broward High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., last fall, leading the school to its first appearance in the state championship game in the 6A division. According to 247Sports, he had 61 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups on defense as a sophomore. On the other side of the ball, he caught 49 passes for 942 yards with 11 touchdowns. After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Sears announced he would be playing his final two high school seasons at sports powerhouse Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. Most recently, that’s the school that sent basketball players Cameron and Cayden Boozer to Duke, and where Fernando Mendoza laid the foundation for winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected No. 1 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here are the top 10 players, as ranked by 247Sports. College coaches and recruiters already know these names well, and fans will learn them over the next two high school seasons. 1. A’mir Sears, athlete, Christopher Columbus (Miami) 2. Jayden Wade, quarterback, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). Committed to Georgia. 3. Kameron McGee, edge, Brother Rice (Chicago) 4. Brysen Wright, wide receiver, Mandarin (Jacksonville, Fla.) 5. Christopher Vargas, quarterback, St. John’s Prep (Danvers, Mass.) 6. Asher Ghioto, edge, The Bolles School (Jacksonville, Fla.) 7. Darieon Prescott, edge, Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, Ill.) 8. Maui Tonata, offensive tackle, Orem (Orem, Utah) 9. Tyzon Swann, defensive lineman, Henry E. Lackey (Indian Head, Md.) 10. Casey Barner, safety, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Twoway #Florida #football #player #ranked #class #247SportsA general view during the South Bend Riley-South Bend Washington high school football game on Friday, September 23, 2022, at TCU School Field in South Bend, Indiana. South Bend Riley Vs South Bend Washington

A’mir Sears, a rising high school junior being compared to two-way NFL player Travis Hunter, is the No. 1 player in the Class of 2028, according to 247Sports, which released its first rankings for the group on Wednesday.

He also received the first — and only, for now — 5-star ranking in the class.

Listed at 6-foot-1, 178 pounds, Sears was a wide receiver and defensive back at West Broward High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., last fall, leading the school to its first appearance in the state championship game in the 6A division. According to 247Sports, he had 61 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups on defense as a sophomore. On the other side of the ball, he caught 49 passes for 942 yards with 11 touchdowns.

After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Sears announced he would be playing his final two high school seasons at sports powerhouse Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. Most recently, that’s the school that sent basketball players Cameron and Cayden Boozer to Duke, and where Fernando Mendoza laid the foundation for winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected No. 1 in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Here are the top 10 players, as ranked by 247Sports. College coaches and recruiters already know these names well, and fans will learn them over the next two high school seasons.

1. A’mir Sears, athlete, Christopher Columbus (Miami)

2. Jayden Wade, quarterback, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). Committed to Georgia.


3. Kameron McGee, edge, Brother Rice (Chicago)

4. Brysen Wright, wide receiver, Mandarin (Jacksonville, Fla.)

5. Christopher Vargas, quarterback, St. John’s Prep (Danvers, Mass.)

6. Asher Ghioto, edge, The Bolles School (Jacksonville, Fla.)

7. Darieon Prescott, edge, Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, Ill.)

8. Maui Tonata, offensive tackle, Orem (Orem, Utah)

9. Tyzon Swann, defensive lineman, Henry E. Lackey (Indian Head, Md.)

10. Casey Barner, safety, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Twoway #Florida #football #player #ranked #class #247Sports">Deadspin | Two-way Florida football player ranked No. 1 in 2028 class by 247Sports A general view during the South Bend Riley-South Bend Washington high school football game on Friday, September 23, 2022, at TCU School Field in South Bend, Indiana. South Bend Riley Vs South Bend Washington A’mir Sears, a rising high school junior being compared to two-way NFL player Travis Hunter, is the No. 1 player in the Class of 2028, according to 247Sports, which released its first rankings for the group on Wednesday. He also received the first — and only, for now — 5-star ranking in the class. Listed at 6-foot-1, 178 pounds, Sears was a wide receiver and defensive back at West Broward High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., last fall, leading the school to its first appearance in the state championship game in the 6A division. According to 247Sports, he had 61 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups on defense as a sophomore. On the other side of the ball, he caught 49 passes for 942 yards with 11 touchdowns. After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Sears announced he would be playing his final two high school seasons at sports powerhouse Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. Most recently, that’s the school that sent basketball players Cameron and Cayden Boozer to Duke, and where Fernando Mendoza laid the foundation for winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected No. 1 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here are the top 10 players, as ranked by 247Sports. College coaches and recruiters already know these names well, and fans will learn them over the next two high school seasons. 1. A’mir Sears, athlete, Christopher Columbus (Miami) 2. Jayden Wade, quarterback, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). Committed to Georgia. 3. Kameron McGee, edge, Brother Rice (Chicago) 4. Brysen Wright, wide receiver, Mandarin (Jacksonville, Fla.) 5. Christopher Vargas, quarterback, St. John’s Prep (Danvers, Mass.) 6. Asher Ghioto, edge, The Bolles School (Jacksonville, Fla.) 7. Darieon Prescott, edge, Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, Ill.) 8. Maui Tonata, offensive tackle, Orem (Orem, Utah) 9. Tyzon Swann, defensive lineman, Henry E. Lackey (Indian Head, Md.) 10. Casey Barner, safety, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Twoway #Florida #football #player #ranked #class #247Sports

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