Snyder, 85, who retired as head coach in 2018 and has since served as a special ambassador for the athletics department, has now been named the General Manager of Kansas State Football. In addition, he will take on the newly created role of Vice President of Football Operations, working closely with current head coach Chris Klieman to oversee long-term program strategy, recruitment structure, and player development.
This bold move signals a new era of collaboration and stability for the Wildcats, uniting the program’s storied past with its promising future. Sources inside the program say Snyder’s return in an operational capacity was months in the making, with both university leadership and athletic department officials pushing to bring his leadership back into a more active role.
“We are overjoyed,” said Coach Klieman. “Having Coach Snyder’s guidance and wisdom in the building every day is an incredible advantage—not just for me, but for every coach, player, and staff member. His legacy is unmatched, and now he’s helping shape our future.”
Snyder, the architect behind one of college football’s greatest turnarounds, led Kansas State to national relevance in the 1990s and early 2000s. Now, he will oversee the broader football operations, including talent evaluation, NIL alignment, transfer portal strategy, and mentoring young coaching talent.
In a brief statement, Snyder said:
“Kansas State has always been home to me. I am honored to contribute in any way I can to support Coach Klieman, our student-athletes, and the Wildcat community. Our goals remain the same—build character, chase excellence, and win the right way.”
Fans have already erupted on social media, celebrating the return of the program’s most iconic figure. The announcement comes just weeks before the start of the 2025 season, signaling that Kansas State is all-in on competing at the highest level of college football.
This is not just a homecoming—it’s a powerful message: Kansas State is building something big, and Bill Snyder is once again at the heart of it.
