Former Kansas State head football coach Vince Gibson, who led the Wildcat football program from 1967-1974, passed away late Monday night after a long battle with ALS.

“Coach Gibson was instrumental in the development of the K-State football program, and we appreciate all that he and his wife Cecile have done for Kansas State University,” said Athletics Director John Currie. “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Cecile and the entire Gibson family as we mourn his loss.”

Gibson was 33-52 during his tenure as head coach of the Wildcat program and also was influential in the construction of KSU Stadium in 1968. He led K-State to its first-ever national ranking in 1969 (No. 18) while also recording the school’s first win over a ranked opponent when the Cats defeated No. 11 Oklahoma, 59-21, that same season.

K-State won six games in 1970 under Gibson for the school’s first winning season since 1954. Among the wins were a 21-20 upset of No. 8 Colorado and a 17-13 decision over No. 17 Missouri. In 1971, the Cats won five games in a year when the Big 8 finished 1-2-3 in the national polls.

Gibson’s emphasis on fans wearing the color purple led to the phrase “Purple Pride” while his “we gonna win” motto permeated the Wildcat program throughout his tenure.

Funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as final details become available.

— KSU Sports Information —