On a December morning, Stanton Weber, the special teams coordinator for Toledo, jumped to attention when he received a text that confirmed his next move. He had long suspected the buzz surrounding Coach Chris Klieman’s retirement and now, with a simple purple devil emoji, former teammate Collin Klein offered him a position at K-State.
Weber’s journey back to K-State is both personal and professional. Growing up in Overland Park, Kansas, he was a star wide receiver and a special teams leader for the Wildcats from 2011 to 2015. He was not just a player; he became a team captain and contributed to a Big 12 Championship. His bond with Klein deepened during those years, culminating in unforgettable memories like K-State’s historic double-overtime win against Texas A&M.
Weber recalls, “Klein wasn’t just a superstar. He played hard, and his dedication inspired everyone.” This resilience and teamwork not only shaped their friendship but also laid a foundation for their future coaching collaboration.
After a successful tenure at Toledo—where he saw tremendous success, including the blocking of six punts in three years—Weber is eager to enhance K-State’s special teams, an area known as “Special Teams U” since the days of legendary coach Bill Snyder. In fact, a report from ESPN stated that K-State has consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation for special teams efficiency—a point Weber takes seriously.
As he settles into his role, Weber’s focus shifts to the current team. Recently, he held a voluntary meeting that drew 40 players. “Their eagerness stood out,” he said, reflecting on the accountable and driven spirit of the roster. This enthusiasm aligns with statistics that show players who are engaged and committed lead to better performance on the field.
Notably, K-State’s special teams ranked highly across multiple metrics last season, including fourth in the country for blocked punts. Weber aims to uphold, if not surpass, these standards. He believes the key lies in fostering strong relationships between coaches and players.
At home in Manhattan, Weber navigates the balance between coaching responsibilities and family life. He and his wife, Natalie, have embraced the area, feeling a sense of belonging that runs deep in their family—both his father and sister played at K-State.
In his view, K-State’s special teams are more than just a unit; they are weapons on the field. His commitment to elevating this aspect of the game speaks to the program’s heritage and its future potential.
As Weber steps into this pivotal role, he echoes a belief that resonates throughout sports: strong foundations create champions. His history, friendships, and a shared vision with Klein mark a hopeful new chapter for K-State football.
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