Kansas State Fires Jerome Tang After Postgame Comments Amid 10–15 Season Struggles

Kansas State Fires Jerome Tang after a difficult 10–15 season and postgame comments that drew significant attention. The university announced the decision Sunday night, confirming that Tang’s tenure had ended following a press conference that generated widespread reaction.

The Wildcats currently hold a 10–15 overall record and sit last in the Big 12 at 1–11. Athletic director Gene Taylor confirmed the decision in an official statement.

“This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program,” Taylor said. “Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university.”

The announcement followed Tang’s remarks after a 91–62 home loss to Cincinnati.

Why Did Kansas State Fires Jerome Tang? What Were The Postgame Comments

During Thursday’s game in Manhattan, Cincinnati defeated Kansas State 91–62 at Bramlage Coliseum. Some fans displayed visible dissatisfaction during the game.

In the postgame press conference, Tang addressed the team’s performance.

“These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform,” Tang said. “There will be very few of them in it next year. I’m embarrassed for the university, I’m embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is ridiculous.”

Tang also confirmed the team would hold a 6 a.m. practice the following morning and added, “I have no answer. No words.”

According to ESPN reporter Pete Thamel, Kansas State dismissed Tang for cause, referencing contractual language related to conduct that could bring “public disrepute, embarrassment, ridicule” to the university. Tang’s reported buyout for a no-cause termination was $18 million, while a for-cause dismissal significantly reduces that obligation.

From Elite Eight Appearance to Recent Struggles

Tang’s tenure began with significant success. In the 2022–23 season, Kansas State posted a 26–10 record and advanced to the Elite Eight as a No. 3 seed. Guard Markquis Nowell set an NCAA Tournament record with 19 assists in a Sweet 16 victory over Michigan State at Madison Square Garden.

Kansas State finished 19–15 the following season and 16–17 in 2024–25. This season, the Wildcats hold a 10–15 record.

Transfer guard PJ Haggerty, who joined from Memphis, is averaging 23.3 points per game on 48% shooting. However, the team has allowed 80.7 points per game, ranking among the bottom 30 teams nationally in scoring defense.

Saturday’s 78–64 loss at No. 3 Houston marked the team’s sixth consecutive defeat. Following the Cincinnati loss, Kansas State removed player names from the back of jerseys for the Houston game.

What Comes Next

Kansas State announced that a national search for a new head coach will begin immediately. An interim head coach is expected to be named soon. The Wildcats are scheduled to host Baylor on Tuesday.

Tang previously spent 19 seasons as an assistant coach at Baylor under Scott Drew and was part of the staff that won the 2021 national championship.

Tang released a statement through ESPN following the decision.

“I’m deeply disappointed and strongly disagree with the characterization of my firing,” Tang said. “I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach. I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the opportunity to serve as Head Coach at Kansas State. It has been one of the great honors of my life.”

Tang finishes his tenure at Kansas State with a 71–57 overall record and a 29–39 mark in Big 12 play.

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