Manhattan, KS -- (Sports Network) - Kansas State has brought back the winningest football coach in school history, as Bill Snyder has decided to come out of retirement to take the reins once again.

The Wildcats had announced earlier this month that Ron Prince, who took over after Snyder's retirement, would not return for the 2009 season.

"One of the most important factors in identifying the right person to take over this football program was to find an individual who has been a successful head coach and best understands the culture and tradition of Kansas State," said KSU athletic director Bob Krause. "No one understands that more than Coach Snyder, and we are excited to be announcing him as our head coach today."

Snyder retired in November 2005 after 17 remarkable seasons at Kansas State, a tenure that saw him resurrect a feeble program. The Wildcats were 0-26-1 in their previous 27 games when Snyder was hired on November 30, 1988.

He proceeded to guide the school to a record of 136-68-1 with a Big 12 title in 2003, three conference championship games and a streak of 11 straight bowl games from 1993-2003.

The 69-year-old Snyder had remained close to the university over the past three seasons as a special assistant to the athletic director. The football stadium was renamed in Snyder's honor three years ago.

Kansas State completed its 2008 season on Saturday with a 38-30 victory over Iowa State to send Prince out a winner. The Wildcats were just 5-7 this season and 17-20 in three years under Prince, earning a trip to the Texas Bowl in 2006.