It is not too often you get a press release to confirm a head coach will be back on the sidelines in 2016, but that is exactly what Kansas State did this Monday afternoon.
Bill Snyder will embark on his 25th season as head coach of the Wildcats in 2016, the school announced today. Snyder took some time after the bowl season to discuss his situation with his family and informed Kansas State he is ready to get going for another season of college football in Manhattan.
“Following our bowl game against Arkansas, I had a chance to visit with my family, and they collectively wanted me to do what I wanted to do and none were against my decision to return as long as I am having a positive impact on the young people in our program, my health is in order and as long as I am wanted by the University and the wonderful Kansas State fan base,” Snyder said in a released statement.
“We are all grateful for the incredible leadership of Coach Snyder, and I was delighted when he affirmed to me that he plans to continue,” Athletics Director John Currie said. “We look forward to him leading the Wildcats into Palo Alto for our 2016 opener on September 2.
Spanning from 1989 through the 2015 season, Snyder has coached Kansas State over two stretches of time (1989-2005 and 2009-2015), accumulating a record of 193-101-1 with 13 AP top 25 finishes, including five finishes in the top 10. The College Football Hall of Fame coach is the second winningest active coach in college football, trailing Alabama head coach Nick Saban by two wins (or three if Alabama defeats Clemson in tonight’s national championship game).
Kansas State is coming off a 6-7 season following a bowl loss to Arkansas. It is just the second losing season under Snyder since his return to the Kansas State sidelines in 2005.