Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson begins his first full season, albeit with a different offensive coordinator.

Offensive coordinator Collin Klein, who spent more than 12 years with the team, left after the 2023 season to join Texas A&M’s offense. The good news is that Johnson only started two games at the helm under Klein, meaning he hadn’t fully adjusted to his system yet.

The K-State quarterback recently opened up on the Pat McAfee Show about what it was like to lose Klein.

“It’s still a little bit similar,” Johnson said. “At the end of the day, Coach Klieman has the offense under control and that’s always going to be the case. We added a few things in the offseason that we think we can master and be really good at and we’re excited to show the world.”

Johnson had a respectable performance in Week 1 with 153 passing yards, two touchdowns and an interception, but he is capable of much more. The underdog candidate for the Heisman Trophy and the Wildcats face the Tulane Green Wave on Saturday.

Here is the heartfelt farewell message Klein left for Kansas State: “The last 14 years have been more than special,” Klein said. “I thank God every day for bringing me to Kansas State. The relationships, memories, lessons, challenges and joys are too numerous to list.”

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Anthony Pasciolla is a contributing writer for K-State On SI. You can reach him at [email protected] or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.

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