Kansas State breaks bank for new boss

The process of changing coaches from Bill Snyder to Chris Klieman will end up costing Kansas State around $5 million.

Snyder’s decision a month ago to step down came with a $3 million incentive that the university will pay him quarterly over the next three years, according to a copy of the agreement obtained by The Wichita Eagle. Kansas State also will pay for Snyder and his wife to attend the National Football Foundation Annual Awards Dinner for life.

The agreement was drafted Dec. 5. Snyder’s final day came two days later.

Athletic director Gene Taylor, speaking Dec. 12, said he wanted to make the payment, which was not required under the terms of Snyder’s contract.

The university must also pay buyouts to Snyder’s assistants who weren’t retained by Klieman. Former offensive coordinator Andre Coleman will receive $880,000 over the next two years, the largest sum of seven severance packages.

Georgia

Tailback Elijah Holyfield, tight end Isaac Nauta and wide receivers Riley Ridley and Mecole Hardman are entering the NFL draft. Ridley led Georgia with 44 catches for 570 yards and nine touchdowns this year; Hardman had 34 catches for 532 yards and seven touchdowns. Nauta had 30 catches for 430 yards and three touchdowns. Holyfield helped give Georgia two 1,000-yard rushers for the second consecutive season, running for 1,018 yards with seven touchdowns.

West Virginia

West Virginia and Troy’s Neal Brown reportedly are close to a deal to make him the next Mountaineers coach. The Associated Press reports Brown would replace Dana Holgorsen, who this week left West Virginia to become Houston’s coach. Brown, 38, has coached Troy since 2015 and is 35-16 at the Sun Belt Conference school.

Virginia

George Welsh, coach at Virginia who retired after 19 years as the ACC’s career wins leader, died Wednesday in Charlottesville at 85. Welsh’s 134-86-3 record from 1982-2000 got him inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.