MANHATTAN, KS – April 12, 2025 – Kansas State Wildcats head football coach Chris Klieman has announced strategic promotions within his coaching staff, signaling a clear commitment to enhancing the program’s operational efficiency and on-field performance. The moves, effective immediately, recognize the valuable contributions of several key individuals and aim to provide greater support across various aspects of the football program.
Nate Kaczor, who joined the Wildcats in 2024 as the special teams quality control coach, has been elevated to Special Teams Coordinator and Special Assistant to the Head Coach. Kaczor’s extensive experience in the NFL, spanning 16 seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Washington Commanders, brings a wealth of knowledge to the special teams unit. In his first season in Manhattan, Kaczor’s impact was evident as Wildcat players achieved top-50 national rankings in five special teams categories. Dylan Edwards notably ranked fourth nationally in punt return touchdowns.
Matt Kardulis and David Orloff, both entering their fifth seasons with the program, have also been rewarded for their dedication and expertise. Kardulis, previously a defensive quality control coach, will now serve as the Assistant Safeties Coach. Orloff, who held the position of defensive analyst, has been promoted to Outside Linebackers Coach. Their consistent contributions over the past four years have been instrumental in the Wildcats’ defensive efforts, which have seen the team lead current Big 12 schools in forced turnovers over the last three seasons with a combined 62 takeaways. Kardulis arrived at K-State after two seasons as a defensive graduate assistant at Virginia Tech, while Orloff came from Syracuse, where he was a graduate assistant working with linebackers and later a quality control coach.
Sean Maguire, who joined the staff as an offensive analyst in 2024, has been named the Assistant Quarterbacks Coach. Maguire’s first year in Manhattan saw him contribute to an offense that ranked among the top 15 nationally in four offensive categories and within the top 10 in school history in 15 game or season records. His guidance played a role in the development of quarterback Avery Johnson, who set a school record with 25 touchdowns responsible for. Prior to K-State, Maguire spent one season at Buffalo and four seasons at Texas A&M, bringing valuable experience from various offensive systems.
These promotions come on the heels of the recent appointment of Drew Liddle as the Assistant Offensive Line Coach, filling out a comprehensive offensive coaching staff. Klieman emphasized the importance of these moves in providing enhanced support both on and off the field, particularly in the crucial area of recruiting. He highlighted the “tremendous value” each coach brings to the staff and the added benefit of having secondary assistants at multiple positions.
The restructuring of the football operations under Coach Klieman underscores the program’s commitment to building a strong and sustainable foundation for continued success in the competitive Big 12 Conference. By recognizing and elevating the roles of dedicated and experienced staff members, Kansas State aims to optimize all facets of its football program, from player development and game preparation to recruiting and overall team cohesion. These changes reflect a proactive approach to maintaining a high level of performance and competing for champio
nships.
