Kansas State has made a major move in the middle of the college basketball season, parting ways with head coach Jerome Tang. The university confirmed the decision late Sunday, with Athletic Director Gene Taylor stating that the termination was issued “for cause.”
The decision comes during a difficult season for the Wildcats and has quickly become one of the biggest coaching developments in the Big 12 this year.
Why Kansas State Made the Decision
The dismissal follows a series of poor results and growing concerns about the direction of the program. Kansas State currently holds a 10–15 overall record and has struggled badly in conference play, sitting at 1–11 in the Big 12.
The situation escalated after a recent press conference where Tang publicly criticized his players following a heavy home loss. University officials later indicated that the comments about student-athletes did not align with the program’s standards of player support and leadership.
Fan frustration had also become visible, with protests during recent home games reflecting the team’s declining performance.
Jerome Tang Responds to the “For Cause” Termination
After the announcement, Tang released a statement expressing disappointment and disagreement with how the termination was described. He said that serving as Kansas State’s head coach was an honor and indicated that he does not agree with the characterization of the situation.
Reports suggest that the “for cause” label could lead to a legal dispute, as it affects a significant contract buyout that would otherwise be owed if the dismissal had been without cause.
Jerome Tang Coaching Record at Kansas State
| Season | Overall Record | Big 12 Record | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | 26–10 | 11–7 | NCAA Elite Eight |
| 2023–24 | 19–15 | 8–10 | NIT First Round |
| 2024–25 | 16–17 | 9–11 | No postseason success |
| 2025–26 | 10–15 | 1–11 | Season in progress |
Career Total at Kansas State:
71–57 overall (.555 winning percentage)
29–39 in Big 12 play
Tang’s first season created high expectations after a deep NCAA Tournament run, but the program was unable to maintain that level in the following years.
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Contract and Buyout Situation
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Buyout (if without cause) | Approximately $18.7 million |
| Current Status | University claims “for cause” termination |
| Potential Outcome | Possible legal challenge |
The financial aspect of the decision could become a major storyline if the dispute moves forward.
Associate head coach Matthew Driscoll has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The university has already begun a national search for a permanent replacement.
With several programs across college basketball facing difficult seasons, this move could be the start of a wider coaching carousel heading into the offseason.
Kansas State now faces the challenge of stabilizing the team while planning for long-term leadership. The early success under Tang showed the program’s potential, but recent struggles forced the administration to act quickly.
The Wildcats will look to regroup under interim leadership as they finish the season and prepare for a new direction in the future.
