Illinois coach with K-State football ties expected to join Collin Klein’s staff
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- K-State hires Thad Ward as wide receivers coach and associate head coach.
- Ward returns after boosting K-State passing production during 2022 title run.
- Klein closing in on staff; offensive coordinator remains undecided.
A familiar face is ready to return to Kansas State as a member of Collin Klein’s inaugural football staff.
Thad Ward, who worked alongside Klein as an assistant coach when the Wildcats last won a Big 12 championship in 2022, is expected to tutor wide receivers for K-State next season.
A team source confirmed the hire. Ward is also expected to serve as associate head coach under Klein.
Ward was a popular man during his lone season in Manhattan. K-State hired him away from Temple, and he immediately helped boost production in the passing game.
Under his guidance, K-State’s top three wide receivers all had strong seasons as the Wildcats won 10 games and earned a berth in the Sugar Bowl under former head coach Chris Klieman.
Malik Knowles led the way with 48 catches for 752 yards and two touchdowns. Phillip Brooks added 45 catches for 587 yards and four touchdowns. Kade Warner chipped in 46 catches for 456 yards and five touchdowns.
They all put up solid numbers in an offense that also featured stars at running back (Deuce Vaughn) and tight end (Ben Sinnott).
Illinois poached Ward after one season in Manhattan. He mostly coached running backs with the Illini, but he did well enough to earn the role of assistant head coach. Now K-State is luring him back to Bill Snyder Family Stadium, where he will have even more responsibility.
Klein is closing in on a complete coaching staff.
K-State has already announced the additions of many new assistant coaches. In the near future, the Wildcats are expected to also officially hire Mike Schmidt from San Diego State as offensive line coach and Brian Lepak as tight ends coach.
One of the few remaining questions about the staff is who will serve as offensive coordinator — who will call the offensive plays? Klein has said he isn’t opposed to doing that last job himself, even though he is the head coach.
K-State football coach tracker
Head coach: Collin Klein
Defensive coordinator: Jordan Peterson
Co-defensive coordinator: Marcus Woodson
Defensive line: Buddy Wyatt
Linebackers: Nick Toth
Defensive backs: Jeremiah Johnson
Offensive coordinator: TBA
Offensive line: Mike Schmidt
Running backs: Cory Patterson
Wide receivers: Thad Ward
Tight ends: Brian Lepak
Quarterbacks: Christian Ellsworth
Special teams coordinator: Stanton Weber
General manager: Trey Scott
Strength and conditioning: Jeremy Jacobs
Recruiting: Taylor Braet
This story was originally published January 1, 2026 at 3:38 PM.