Although the timing wasn’t perfect, it comes as no surprise that Nebraska finally fired Scott Frost after a woeful 1-2 start to the new campaign. After promising better results following a lackluster 3-9 finish in 2021, the Cornhuskers’ defense struggled to stop opponents from scoring, leading to heartbreaking losses against Northwestern and Georgia Southern in Ireland and Lincoln, respectively.

Attention turns to who Cornhuskers’ athletic director Trev Alberts might hire next. One name that has floated around in conversations is Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman. For now, the 4th year Wildcats coach is content with his status in Manhattan.

“Scott Frost is a friend of mine,” Klieman said per 247 Sports. “I hate to see it because I just — that’s part of the profession. I don’t know what’s going on at Nebraska or what has gone on. I talked to Scott a few times during his time there. I really like it here at Kansas State. I love our players, I love our guys and pretty simple for me. I can just say one name and that’s Gene Taylor. Gene’s my guy.”

A native of Waterloo, Iowa, Klieman’s background might make him a front-runner for the position should he listen to Alberts’ pitch. Before joining K-State in 2019, Klieman served as North Dakota State’s head coach from 2014-18. In 5 seasons, he led the Bison to 4 FCS national titles and posted a 69-6 overall record.

Since arriving in “the Little Apple,” Klieman hasn’t missed a beat. K-State has finished with 2 8-win seasons in 3 years under his direction. Entering Week 3, the Wildcats are 2-0 and are coming off a monumental win over SEC and former Big 12 rival Missouri. They’re also are a sleeper pick to win the conference come December.

Klieman is one of several Big 12 coaches linked to the Nebraska opening. Others include Kansas coach Lane Leipold, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell, Baylor coach Dave Aranda, Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby and former TCU coach Gary Patterson.

The Cornhuskers, led by interim coach Mickey Joseph, will play host to No. 6 Oklahoma on Saturday at noon E.T.