Under New Offensive Coordinator Collin Klein, Texas A&M Looks To Bring Back Johnny Manziel-Style Football

Collin Klein changed Texas A&M football well before he signed up to become the Aggies new offensive coordinator.

Texas A&M fans might not know much about Collin Klein's offensive philosophy, but they know about the former Kansas State quarterback and offensive coordinator. 

And no, it has nothing to do with sharing the spotlight in New York City with former Aggies sensation Johnny Manziel at the Heisman Trophy ceremony. 

Klein sliced up A&M's defense in 2011 as the Wildcats picked up the 53-50 overtime victory at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, totaling six touchdowns, five of which came with his legs. At that point, it was clear Mike Sherman's tenure in College Station was reaching its end after reaching .500. 

Sherman was fired two weeks later after finishing 6-6 on the season, thus leading to the Kevin Sumlin era. Under the former Houston coach came Manziel, a dual-threat passer with the uncanny ability to create mayhem in the open field and chaos in the SEC. 

A&M went 11-2 in its first season as a member of the SEC, and Manziel became the first redshirt freshman to win the Heisman. The Aggies looked to be a team on the rise in a new conference and seemed to be trending upward. 

Without Klein's performance, perhaps A&M wouldn't have fired Sherman, thus leading to lackluster play-calling with Manziel at the helm. In a sense, the Aggies wouldn't have two Heisman Trophy winners without the dual-threat quarterback who called Manhattan home. 

Klein now has a chance to change the Aggies again, only this time as their new offensive coordinator underneath first-year coach Mike Elko. And perhaps that 11-2 season isn't a one-year wonder, but a consistent standard in the newly-formed 16-team SEC. 

Kansas State offensive coordinator Collin Klein prepares for a game against Central Florida at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Mahattan, Kan / USA Today-Sports

Klein's offense differs from that of Fisher's. The Wildcats (8-4) ran multiple formations and primarily relied on mobility from the quarterback position with players such as Adrian Martinez, Will Howard, and Avery Johnson.

Conner Weigman is far from a dual-threat passer, but that doesn't mean he can't fit the style of play Klein hopes to implement for the program's future. Howard, who helped K-State win its first Big 12 title since 2003 in 2022, threw for over 2,600 yards in 2023 and 24 touchdowns. Johnson, the future starter for the Wildcats, completed over 66 percent of his throws for three touchdowns and didn't commit a turnover.

Weigman, who suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 4's win over Auburn, is a pocket-passer first and runner second. Klein's offense may cater to more runs, but with talent in the receiver room and among the current tight ends, there still will be an emphasis on throwing the ball around Kyle Field on Saturdays.

K-State relied heavily on the ground game because of its talent at tailback, headlined by now-Dallas Cowboys running back Duece Vaughn. With a more seasoned and talented receiving corps, Klein will have to change his play design a tad to fit the current staff.

Elko, who proved his head coaching prowess at Duke over the past two seasons, chose Klein as his OC because of his background. In two years as the Wildcats' coordinator, Klein led the offense to back-to-back top-40 scoring offenses and top-15 rushing totals. Last season, the Wildcats averaged over 445 yards and 37.8 points per game.

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In College Station, the Aggies can make headlines as the next big threat in a 12-team playoff. Klein, who spent nearly a decade at K-State in different roles, has earned the right to prove his upside in college football's toughest conference.