MANHATTAN, Kan. Even if youre as favorably disposed as we are toward the hiring of Chris Klieman as Kansas States football coach, the truth is this: There is no way to predict how this will work out beyond the choice of whether to believe in his pedigree and extend the benefit of the doubt to Klieman and the smart and capable people who hired him.
But in the spirit of Kliemans #WintheDangDay mantra, he sure was 1-0 after his introductory news conference on Wednesday.
That was in no small part because of Klieman and the K-State administrations appreciation of iconic former coach Bill Snyder and, in fact, because of the gracious participation of Snyder. His very presence made for an endorsement that wasnt guaranteed amid the murky circumstances of his recent retirement.
The official announcement of Snyder stepping down came with no statement from the 79-year-old Snyder, who has yet to publicly comment on leaving the job just months after signing a five-year contract extension and days after a 5-7 finish to the 2018 season. For that matter, he declined to be interviewed on Wednesday, calling it Kliemans day.
Still, his appearance spoke volumes about his apparent intention to help with the transition despite his longtime hopes that son Sean would follow him in the work that revitalized K-States identity well beyond the football field. Snyders blessing may not be a necessity in what comes next, but it certainly could help put the success in succession by getting some conflicted K-State fans on board.
Who knows, maybe down the road well find out Snyder made like late President George H.W. Bush did for successor Bill Clinton by leaving one of his prized handwritten notes for Klieman on the desk Snyder cleared out the other day. Amid all this commotion now, Klieman said hed only been in his office a few moments, just long enough to enjoy the view.
While Kliemans greatest challenges figure to be in recruiting and player development, not just the optics of following a legend, he also would benefit from unity of support when he takes over full-time after he finishes his quest to guide North Dakota State to a fourth FCS national championship in his five seasons as head coach.
At this crossroads for a program that was twice resuscitated by Snyder and reflected his considerable will for most of the last 30 years, Klieman will face a balancing act that goes beyond the obvious one of running two programs for what he hopes will be a few more weeks.
He also will be called on to at once honor the recent past while building toward the future and imposing his own influence on the present. You could see signs of each aspect already, from ongoing discussions hell have with Sean Snyder about being part of the staff to entertaining the idea of some changes in uniforms to his willingness to have K-State social media publicly share video of some of his first meeting with KSU players.
That was a refreshing change, one that seemed to strike a chord with fans and something Snyder never would have allowed.
I think thats part of where were at in 2018, Klieman said. You need to have social media out there. You need to be out there continuing to sell the brand, continuing to talk about the brand. It brings viewership, it brings more young kids involved to say, Boy, I want to take a look at Kansas State. Absolutely, we have to have that.
But through it all, Klieman conveyed something between reverence for and deference to Snyder, who was 215-117-1 at K-State.
When he entered the news conference, he appeared to wave to Snyder, who smiled then and on several occasions throughout.
I know the shoes that I have to fill, Coach, Klieman later said, looking his way. Youre a legend. Youre an icon. I look up to you. Im going to continue to ask you questions. Im going to bounce ideas off you.
Because you are Kansas State football. And Im so excited to continue on with your legacy. And Im going to make you proud, Coach. I promise you that.