What Bill Snyder has done for the Kansas State football program will go down as one of the best coaching jobs/turnarounds in the history of the game. What Snyder has done with the Wildcats since coming back from retirement in 2009 is remarkable as well.
K-State won a Big 12 title in 2012 and were one game away -- an embarrassing loss 52-24 loss to Baylor -- from likely playing for a national championship. The Wildcats hope to continue that success under Snyder for up to another five years.
In a release, the university announced a five-year extension with an automatic rollover provision after each season for the 73-year-old Snyder. The deal is worth $14.75 million and takes him through the 2017 season. Snyder will make $2.75 million in 2013 with annual increases of $100,000, along with other benefits.
“Coach Snyder’s daily drive, focus and energy in continuing to build the K-State football program are truly remarkable and inspirational,” said K-State athletic director John Currie. “While he is not one to focus attention on himself, President Schulz and I felt that it was important to recognize in this very significant way his tremendous leadership and commitment to continuing to lead the K-State football program.”
“My entire family and I have been so very grateful for the genuine, caring and loyal support K-Staters have provided our coaches, staff, families and young people on a yearly basis,” Snyder said. “And, as I have stated so often we came to Kansas State because of the people, stayed because of the people and returned because of the people, and that remains unchanged. We have continued to make daily improvement as a football program, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue and will do so as long as I feel that I am having a positive impact on our university, community and football program and the young men that are involved. I appreciate so very much the leadership of President Schulz and John Currie, in addition to all past administrators and staff, and their commitment to our football program.”
Snyder has put together a 170-85-1 overall record during his 20-plus years in Manhattan, and a 34-16 record since his return in 2009.