MANHATTAN, Kan. — Joe Klanderman had big plans for Kansas State’s defense when he took over as coordinator of the unit last month.
Still does.
But they are no longer quite as grand as they originally were now that spring practices have been canceled and K-State players are spread out across the country because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We probably have to simplify the package a little bit,” Klanderman said during a video conference with reporters Wednesday. “Maybe all of the things we wanted to do originally we aren’t going to be able to do, at least initially in the season.”
In his own words, these are “uncharted waters” for Klanderman. He’s not a first-time defensive coordinator, but it’s been seven years since he last held the title. And he was coaching at Division II Minnesota State back then. He was looking forward to spending 15 practices with K-State players this spring and putting his own stamp on the defense.
His style isn’t that much different from Hazelton’s, but he likes to think of himself as a more-aggressive play-caller than his predecessor. Time will tell if he can stay true to that approach next season.
“If you play solid defense and eliminate explosive plays you are going to give yourself a chance,” Klanderman said. “Now, can you play sound defense and bring pressure? Sure. I don’t think I am a crazy pressure man, but I think we maybe could have been a little more aggressive in some of our zones and play-calling situations. I’m not saying anything was wrong, I’m just saying the way we fundamentally teach some things might be more aggressive.”
K-State football coach Chris Klieman promoted Klanderman from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator when Scottie Hazelton left for Michigan State more than a month and a half ago.
His reasoning was simple: The Wildcats showed impressive progress on defense last season, ranking second in the Big 12 in points allowed (21.6 per game) and fourth in yards allowed (368.4 per game). They were particularly strong against the pass, as Klanderman’s secondary allowed just 202.9 yards in the air per game.
Klieman wants to build off that momentum. So promoting a longtime assistant like Klanderman, who also coached under him at North Dakota State was a logical choice.
“It was the perfect match,” Klanderman said. “I understand, because I have been around Coach (Klieman) for so long, what his message is. I understand how he wants this team to get formulated. I understand what he wants the players to think. I understand how he wants everybody to approach things. I don’t think there is anybody else on this earth that can convey that message to the players better than I could.”
One thing that should help ease Klanderman’s transition is experience. K-State players will have a lot of it next season.
Elijah Sullivan and Justin Hughes will lead the way at linebacker as seniors. Wyatt Hubert will anchor the defensive line coming off an All-Big 12 season as a sophomore. And starting cornerbacks A.J. Parker and Walter Neil are both returning, along with Wayne Jones at safety.
That’s a nice nucleus to build around as the Wildcats look to replace Denzel Goolsby at safety in addition to Reggie Walker, Trey Dishon and Jordan Mittie on the defensive line.
Klanderman also has a strong working relationship with cornerbacks coach Van Malone, who will assist him with game strategy next season.
“Many of the things that Coach Hazelton instituted for us defensively were at the core of who this defense is and who this defensive staff is,” Malone said. “I don’t think we’ll stray far from those things. Now, Scottie had a personality, and Joe as a play-caller will have a personality, and so it’ll be a little bit different there, but for the most part, I don’t foresee us making many wholesale changes.”
Those may have to wait until 2021, when Klanderman will benefit from a traditional run-up to football season as a defensive coordinator.
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