MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University fired men's basketball coach Jerome Tang on Sunday night, citing a for-cause termination amid a dismal season and a viral postgame rant that drew widespread criticism. The decision comes as the Wildcats languish at the bottom of the Big 12 Conference with just one win in 11 games, marking a sharp decline from Tang's promising debut season.
The university announced the move in a statement from athletic director Gene Taylor, who emphasized that the firing was in the best interest of the program. "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. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward."
Sources familiar with the matter told ESPN that the termination was based on language in Tang's contract that prohibits activities bringing "public disrepute, embarrassment, ridicule" to the university. Tang, who is in his fourth season at the helm, signed a contract extension in 2023 that runs through the 2029-30 season, leaving approximately $18.67 million on the deal. According to those sources, Tang intends to contest the for-cause firing, which could potentially void the buyout obligations.
In a statement provided to ESPN, Tang expressed his disappointment and disagreement with the university's actions. "I am deeply disappointed with the university's decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination," he said. "I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach." He added, "I am grateful to the players, staff, and fans who make this program so special. I remain proud of what we built together and confident that I have always acted in the best interests of the university and our student-athletes."
The catalyst for Tang's dismissal appears to stem from a heated outburst following a 78-64 home loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan. In a postgame press conference that quickly went viral on social media, Tang unloaded on his underperforming team, saying, "These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. 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 ... I have no answer. No words."
The rant, captured on video and shared widely across platforms like Twitter and YouTube, amplified frustrations already boiling over from the team's struggles. Kansas State entered the game with a 10-14 overall record and had lost seven straight Big 12 contests before the Cincinnati defeat. Fans in the student section at Bramlage Coliseum reportedly wore paper bags over their heads during the game, a symbolic protest against the team's poor performance.
Just two days later, on Saturday, February 17, 2024, the Wildcats traveled to face No. 3 Houston and suffered another lopsided loss, 78-64, dropping to 1-11 in conference play and 10-15 overall. Notably, the team played that game without player names on the backs of their jerseys—a decision that sources described as a direct response to Tang's comments about the players' unworthiness to wear the uniform.
Tang's tenure at Kansas State began with high expectations after he was hired in 2022 from Baylor, where he had spent 20 seasons as an assistant under coach Scott Drew. In his inaugural 2022-23 season, Tang guided the Wildcats to a 26-10 record, the program's best win total since Bruce Weber's first year in 2013, and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. That success earned him the contract extension and positioned Kansas State as a rising force in the competitive Big 12.
However, the momentum faltered in subsequent seasons. The 2023-24 campaign saw the Wildcats finish 16-17 overall, missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time under Tang and bowing out early in the NIT. This year, injuries, inconsistent play, and defensive lapses have plagued the team, leading to a tie for last place in the Big 12 alongside West Virginia. The conference, known for its intensity with powerhouses like Kansas, Baylor, and Houston, has proven unforgiving for programs unable to sustain early success.
Insiders close to the program noted that Tang's rant was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of frustration. Earlier in the season, after a series of losses, Tang had publicly questioned his team's effort and commitment, though nothing approached the intensity of the Cincinnati aftermath. University officials, according to sources, viewed the comments as crossing a line, especially given the contract's disrepute clause, which is common in coaching agreements to protect institutional reputation.
"Coaching Kansas State has been one of the great honors of my life," Tang said in his statement, reflecting on his time in Manhattan. The city, home to Kansas State's main campus, has a passionate basketball following, with Bramlage Coliseum often packed for Big 12 matchups. Yet, attendance has dipped this season amid the losing streak, with some fans voicing support for a change on local radio shows and social media.
While Tang plans to fight the termination, legal experts in college athletics suggest that for-cause firings can be contentious but often favor the university if tied to specific contractual language. The remaining $18.67 million buyout represents a significant financial stake, and any arbitration or lawsuit could drag on for months, potentially impacting Kansas State's search for a successor.
In the immediate aftermath, Kansas State announced it would name an interim coach within days to guide the team through the remaining five regular-season games and the Big 12 Tournament, scheduled for March 12-16, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. Athletic director Taylor confirmed that a national search for a permanent replacement has already begun, with the university aiming to capitalize on the spring hiring cycle common in college basketball.
The firing underscores the high stakes in the Big 12, where coaches face intense scrutiny. Comparable situations have arisen elsewhere in the conference; for instance, Texas Tech parted ways with Mark Adams in 2023 amid NCAA investigation and performance issues, while Oklahoma State's Mike Boynton has faced similar fan pressure despite a solid mid-tier record. Kansas State's move signals a desire to reset before the program slips further from its Elite Eight glory.
As the Wildcats navigate this transition, questions linger about roster stability. Tang's comments hinted at a potential exodus of players, many of whom are eligible to enter the transfer portal as early as March 18, 2024. Key contributors like guard Tyler Perry and forward David N'Guessan, who have been bright spots amid the struggles, may seek opportunities elsewhere if the interim setup lacks continuity.
Beyond the court, the episode highlights the pressures on coaches in the era of social media, where a single heated moment can accelerate a program's downfall. Tang, a respected recruiter known for his Baylor ties, leaves behind a foundation of talent development but departs at a low point. Kansas State fans, while divided—some praising Tang's early success and others decrying the recent malaise—now look toward a new chapter in a conference that shows no mercy to the rebuilding.
The university has not specified a timeline for the interim appointment but emphasized a commitment to supporting the current student-athletes through the season's end. As Manhattan braces for the search, the basketball community watches closely, knowing that landing a proven winner could be key to reclaiming the Wildcats' place among Big 12 contenders.