K-State’s Snyder retires after 27 years, 215 wins
MANHATTAN, Kan. —
Bill Snyder already was considered the architect of the greatest turnaround in college football history before he decided to return from a three-year retirement to resurrect Kansas State again.
Now, the 79-year-old coach is heading back into retirement.
Snyder decided to step away Sunday after 27 seasons on the sideline, ending a Hall of Fame tenure in Manhattan that began in the Big Eight and weathered seismic shifts in college football. Along the way, he overcame throat cancer, sent dozens of players to the NFL and gave countless more an opportunity to succeed not only on the field but also in life.
“Coach Snyder has had an immeasurable impact on our football program, Kansas State University, the Manhattan community and the entire state of Kansas,” Wildcats athletic director Gene Taylor said. “He and his family have touched the lives of so many people, from student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans, and he is truly one of the greatest coaches and leaders in college football history.”
The Wildcats fell apart during a season-ending loss to Iowa State, leaving them 5-7 and at home for the bowl season. Snyder finishes with a résumé featuring a record of 215117-1, trips to 19 bowl games, two Big 12 championships and a legacy that will endure long into the future.
In other college football news:
• Akron fired coach
Terry Bowden after seven seasons a day after the Zips were beaten 28-3 by South Carolina to finish 4-8. Bowden went 35-52 at Akron led the Zips to two bowl appearances.