Early Life & Football Beginnings
Collin Klein was born on September 19, 1989, in Loveland, Colorado, U.S.
He attended high school in Loveland and later enrolled at Kansas State University (K-State), where he joined the football program and eventually emerged as one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the school’s history.
College Career & Heisman Moment
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Klein redshirted in 2008, spent 2009 playing limited roles (including wide receiver and special teams), and returned to quarterback in 2010.
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He became the starting QB in 2011. Over his college career (2009–2012), he amassed 4,573 passing yards (30 TDs / 15 INTs) and 2,455 rushing yards with 56 rushing TDs.
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As starting QB in 2011–12, he led the Wildcats to a 21–5 record, culminating in a Big 12 Championship and a berth in the Fiesta Bowl.
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2012 was his breakout year: He won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, earned First-Team All-Big 12 and Second-team All-American honors.
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That same year, he finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting, behind only the top two finalists — making him one of the most celebrated players in Wildcat history.
Klein’s playing style — a blend of power running and smart passing — made him stand out as a classic dual-threat quarterback. He was valued by rivals and analysts alike not only for his athleticism but also for his leadership, work ethic, and “old-school grit.”
Personal Life & Family
Klein is married to Shalin Spani, a former women’s basketball player at Kansas State.
Together they have children — including sons named Beric, Rhett, and Trek (some sources also mention a daughter).
Coaching Career & Salary
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After a brief professional playing attempt (including a stint with the Montreal Alouettes), Klein transitioned to coaching.
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He returned to Kansas State as part of the staff in 2014 — first as Assistant Director of Recruiting / Defensive Quality Control (2014), then as Offensive Graduate Assistant (2015).
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He served as Quarterbacks Coach (2017–2021), then Co-Offensive Coordinator/QB (2018), and was promoted to Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach for the 2022 season onward.
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Under his leadership as OC, K-State saw significant offensive efficiency — including one of the best red-zone touchdown percentages and historically low interception rates for the school.
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According to media reports, in the 2023 period his base salary at Kansas State was US$ 825,000/year after a raise.
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In December 2023, he accepted a job as Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach at Texas A&M Aggies, marking his first major coaching role outside Kansas State.
Given that offensive coordinator roles at top programs are among the highest paid on coaching staffs, his move likely came with a substantial salary bump.
Age, Legacy & Current Standing
As of December 2025, Collin Klein is 36 years old (born 1989).
Klein remains a celebrated figure in Kansas State lore — remembered not just for his statistical output, but for transforming the Wildcats’ offense with toughness, versatility, and leadership. As a coach, he has already made his mark, and his journey from star quarterback to rising coaching talent shows a commitment to the sport that few manage to sustain beyond playing days.
