In Kansas State’s mostly wretched-to-piddling existence as a football program, one coach in its history has given the Wildcats some bite. That’s why Bill Snyder has emerged as the biggest name to replace Ron Prince, right.
In firing Prince on Wednesday, athletic director Bob Krause wouldn’t admit interest in Snyder but wouldn’t deny it, either.
“I have not talked with Bill and he is one person, along with others, that we will be consulting with in the very near future,” Krause said at the news conference. “You start out at a consulting basis and you move forward from there.”
Snyder is 69 but observers say he looks better and fresher than he has in years. He retired in 2005 only two years after winning the Big 12 title. How big is Snyder at Kansas State? His 136-68-1 record is 97 wins more than its next winningest coach.
Kansas State may also look at Texas Christian coach Gary Patterson, an alum and Kansas native who pursued the opening when Snyder retired. Former Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione, another Kansan, may also show interest. So might Bret Bielema, Snyder’s old defensive coordinator, whose star has fallen at Wisconsin.
John Henderson, The Denver Post; Associated Press file photo
