The Kansas State Wildcats are facing a dismal season, with fans expressing their frustration toward head coach Jerome Tang after a humiliating 91-62 loss to Cincinnati. This defeat marked the Wildcats’ tenth loss in eleven Big 12 games, leaving them with a troubling record of 10-13. During the game, a significant number of students demonstrated their dissatisfaction by wearing brown paper Aldi bags on their heads, signaling their displeasure with the team’s performance.
After the match, Tang, visibly upset, addressed the media but could only muster two quick questions, emphasizing his disappointment with his players and acknowledging the embarrassment felt by the university and its fanbase. “This was embarrassing,” he stated, indicating that many players might not return next season as they prepare for a 6 a.m. practice to regroup.
In his fourth season, Tang had a promising start, leading the Wildcats to the NCAA tournament in his debut year and reaching as high as No. 5 in the national rankings. However, the team’s performance has steadily declined, failing to secure a tournament berth in the last two seasons. The Wildcats now find themselves on a five-game losing streak, with their single conference win coming late last month against Utah.
The prospect of firing Tang is complicated by the financial implications of his contract. With a buyout of $18.5 million, it would be the largest in college basketball history if the university decided to make a change. Currently, Wake Forest holds the record following their $14.7 million payout to Danny Manning in 2020, while Jerry Stackhouse’s situation at Vanderbilt involved a substantial but undisclosed buyout.
For now, it appears that Tang will remain at the helm for another year, with expectations of significant roster changes for the upcoming season. With the current season feeling largely lost, Tang’s frustration is palpable as he grapples with the challenges ahead.