Then, in , he was named to the infamous College of Coaches—a brainchild of owner Philip K. Wrigley, who decided to abolish the position of field manager and instead rotate "head coaches" to run the Cubs and their minor league affiliates. Klein was in charge of the Cubs for 11 games between September 1–10, 1961, and compiled a 5–6 win–loss record as head coach. He'd actually helmed clubs as low as Class D (the equivalent of a Rookie-level team today) during the season.