The Kansas State Wildcats have been one of the Big 12’s top-performing teams for the past three years. Under head coach Chris Klieman, the Wildcats secured at least nine wins each season, highlighted by a Big 12 Championship and a Sugar Bowl appearance in 2022. In the 2024 season, Kansas State finished with a record of 9-4, showcasing an impressive offensive performance that averaged 426 yards per game, placing them in the upper tier of the conference. Co-offensive coordinators Matt Wells and Conor Riley collaborated effectively to maintain the team’s offensive momentum.
However, the coaching landscape changed when Riley accepted a position as the offensive line coach for the Dallas Cowboys last week. This transition raised questions about whether Wells would step in as the sole offensive coordinator or if the Wildcats would continue with co-coordinators. On Monday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Wells would indeed be named the offensive coordinator and play caller for the upcoming 2025 season.
Sources: Kansas State is promoting Matt Wells to the school’s offensive coordinator and play caller. He spent last year as the co-offensive coordinator, QB coach and associate head coach. He’s the former head coach at Texas Tech and Utah State. pic.twitter.com/3FxdElrnNt
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 10, 2025
As noted by Thamel, Wells brings valuable head coaching experience to the role. After a collegiate career as a quarterback with the Utah State Aggies from 1993-96, he held positions at Navy, Tulane, and New Mexico before returning to Utah State in 2011 as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Promoted to head coach in 2013 following Gary Andersen’s departure to Wisconsin, Wells led the Aggies for six seasons, achieving a record of 44-34 and finishing in the top two of the conference on four occasions. His coaching excellence earned him the Mountain West Coach of the Year title twice, in 2013 and 2018. Following a successful 10-2 season in 2018, Wells took the head coaching position at Texas Tech, where he experienced less success, finishing with a 13-17 record over three seasons.
Reactions on social media regarding Wells’ promotion have been largely positive.
I think I prefer this tbh. Avery still has someone he knows well and the offense will be centered around him for him to succeed. Also, he developed Jordan Love so I think he’s an upgrade https://t.co/dPEcaXyxuD
— Garret (@garret_severs) February 10, 2025
I think we all knew it would happen https://t.co/FuFlkSFsfU
— Jeff Burkhart (@jeff_burkhart) February 10, 2025
Good move. When you have a proven offensive mind on staff already, it’d be silly not to give him a shot https://t.co/9GGYxfMjyv
— Rocco Foust (@rjfoust0) February 10, 2025
Excellent decision 💜 https://t.co/RMNf0M3Hji
— Shane Friesen (@pastorfriesen) February 10, 2025
