K-State coordinator Joe Klanderman will coach a new Big 12 defense next season
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Baylor is finalizing hire of Joe Klanderman as DC for next season.
- He coached at K-State seven seasons and developed several NFL defensive players.
- Baylor's defense struggled in high-scoring games; Klanderman could fit schematically.
A prominent member of Chris Klieman’s coaching staff has found a new football home.
Baylor coach Dave Aranda hired Joe Klanderman as defensive coordinator for the Bears on Thursday.
Klanderman is on the move after he spent the past seven seasons coaching under Klieman at Kansas State, first as an assistant and then as defensive coordinator. He was expected to return for another year in that role until Klieman unexpectedly decided to retire last week.
New head football coach Collin Klein wants to overhaul most of the staff, which left assistants and coordinators like Klanderman looking for new opportunities.
“It is an honor to join the Baylor Family and work with Coach Aranda and the entire staff,” Klanderman said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to work with our student-athletes and build a defense that represents the things we take pride in, physicality, relentless effort and discipline.”
On Thursday, it was also reported that K-State will not retain Matt Wells as offensive coordinator or Brian Anderson as running backs coach. Previously, cornerbacks coach Van Malone posted a message on social media announcing that he did not expect to return.
Luke Wells (tight ends), Mike Tuiasosopo (defensive tackles) and Matthew Middleton (wide receivers) are also not expected to return on staff.
Brian Lepak (offensive line), Buddy Wyatt (defensive ends) and Steve Stanard (linebackers) could have a future working under Klein in some capacity moving forward.
Klein already has a few members of his new staff identified and ready to be announced in their new roles.
Klanderman is the first departing K-State assistant who has landed a new gig. Baylor could be a good match for him. The Bears were able to move the ball and put up points under Aranda this season, but their defense let them down in many high-scoring games.
“Joe brings a proven defensive mindset and a passion for building relationships that fits exactly what we value here at Baylor,” Aranda said in a statement. “Joe is a teacher at heart, someone who cares deeply about people and invests completely in the development of young men. His defenses have always reflected discipline, toughness and unity, and I’m grateful to welcome him to Baylor.”
At K-State, Klanderman coached several players who went on to the NFL. The list includes: Russ Yeast, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Julius Brents, Jose Hayes, Jacob Parrish and Marques Sigle.
This past season, K-State held teams to an average of 26.7 points and 386.2 yards per game.
This story was originally published December 11, 2025 at 10:50 AM.