Former K-State football coach Vince Gibson dies

When Vince Gibson came to Kansas State in 1967 he boldly promised, “We gonna win.” He backed up his words. Today, he is remembered as one of the most successful football coaches to ever lead the Wildcats.

Gibson, who coached at K-State from 1967-1974, died late Monday following a long battle with ALS – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

He went 33-52 with the Wildcats, and guided K-State to its first national ranking in 1969 while picking up some of the program’s best wins at the time. He led K-State to its first win over a ranked opponent — 59-21 over No. 11 Oklahoma — that same season and helped it record its first winning season since 1954 in 1970.

“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 went on to coach at Louisville and Tulane, but his impact is still noticeable at K-State today. He played an important role in the construction of KSU Stadium in 1968 and emphasized fans wearing the color purple to home games.

Funeral arrangements will be announced.

This story was originally published January 10, 2012 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Former K-State football coach Vince Gibson dies."