Currently in his third season as the defensive coordinator, Joe has transitioned K-State’s defense from a 4-3 defense to a 3-3-5 defense over the past year and a half. Unit has grown into a Top 30 total defense and is in the Top 10 in multiple categories. K-State has held three Big 12 opponents without a touchdown this season – the first time this has happened since the 2001 season. Also has held every opponent this season below their season scoring average coming into the game.
Klanderman came to Manhattan from North Dakota State after helping the Bison win four national titles in his five seasons on staff, which included a perfect 15-0 record in 2018. The NDSU defense was a major factor in its undefeated run as the Bison ranked first nationally with 23 interceptions, including six by safety Robbie Grimsley and five by safety James Hendricks. Overall, the Bison ranked in the top five in scoring defense each of his five years on staff, including a No. 2 ranking in 2017 (11.6 points per game) and No. 3 spot in 2018 (12.6). His secondary has also helped NDSU rank in the top 11 in passing yards allowed in four of the five years, with a No. 3 national ranking in 2017 (147.9 yards per game).