Kansas State Fires Coach Jerome Tang for Cause

University cites 'recent public comments and conduct' as reason for dismissal, avoiding $18.7 million buyout

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Kansas State University has fired head men's basketball coach Jerome Tang, citing 'recent public comments and conduct' that did not align with the university's standards. The for-cause termination allows K-State to avoid paying Tang's $18.7 million buyout. Tang plans to fight the decision, stating he has 'always acted with integrity' as head coach.

Why it matters

Tang's dismissal comes amid a disappointing season for the Wildcats, who are 10-15 overall and 1-11 in Big 12 play. The firing highlights the high stakes and pressure for major college basketball coaches, where public criticism of players can lead to termination, even with a large buyout clause in the contract.

The details

K-State athletic director Gene Taylor said the decision was made in the 'best interest of our university and men's basketball program.' The university is invoking a clause in Tang's contract related to 'Specific Duties and Responsibilities,' which requires coaches to conduct themselves in a manner that does not 'subject coach, K-State Athletics, or the university to public disrepute, embarrassment, ridicule, or scandal.' This stems from Tang's recent comments criticizing his players' effort after a loss to Cincinnati.

  • On February 15, 2026, Kansas State announced the firing of head coach Jerome Tang.
  • Last week, Tang went viral for his postgame comments criticizing his players' effort following a loss to Cincinnati.

The players

Jerome Tang

The former head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats men's basketball team, who was fired for cause after 'recent public comments and conduct' that did not align with the university's standards.

Gene Taylor

The athletic director of Kansas State University, who announced the decision to fire Jerome Tang.

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What they’re saying

“This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men's basketball program. 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.”

— Gene Taylor, Athletic Director, Kansas State University (nypost.com)

“I am deeply disappointed with the university's decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination. I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach. It has been one of the great honors of my life. 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.”

— Jerome Tang (nypost.com)

What’s next

Tang plans to fight the for-cause firing, which would allow Kansas State to avoid paying his $18.7 million buyout. The university's decision to terminate him is expected to be a point of contention in the coming days and weeks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the high-pressure environment and scrutiny that major college basketball coaches face, where public criticism of players can lead to termination even with a large buyout clause in the contract. It underscores the importance of coaches maintaining a professional demeanor and upholding the values of the university, even in the midst of a disappointing season.