Jerome Tang’s tenure as head coach of Kansas State University has come to an end following a tumultuous season. The Wildcats suffered a disappointing 78-64 defeat to Houston, marking their sixth consecutive loss and pushing their Big 12 record to a dismal 1-11. This latest setback followed Tang’s comments expressing embarrassment for the university after a significant 91-62 home defeat to Cincinnati.
During his time at Kansas State, Tang’s record stood at 71 wins and 57 losses. His departure includes a substantial buyout clause of $18 million for a firing without cause, although reports indicate that he and the university are currently in negotiations regarding the terms.
Tang’s most successful season with the Wildcats was his inaugural year, 2022-23, when they achieved a commendable 26-10 record and reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament. However, performance declined in subsequent seasons, as the team recorded 19-15 and 16-17 finishes in the following years. This season, despite the arrival of transfer PJ Haggerty from Memphis, who is averaging 23.3 points per game on 48% shooting, the Wildcats have struggled significantly, boasting a record of just 10-15.
Kansas State’s defensive issues have been particularly glaring, as the team is allowing 80.7 points per game—which puts them among the least effective defenses in the nation. The frustration among fans became evident during the game against Cincinnati, where students were seen wearing paper bags over their heads in dismay. Tang described that game as “embarrassing” and stated that many players may not return for the next season.
Before taking the helm at Kansas State, Tang served as the associate head coach at Baylor, contributing to the team’s success, including a national championship win in 2021. His departure from Kansas State marks a significant moment for the program as they seek to rebuild and find a new direction moving forward.