Kansas State Fans Plead for Coach's Firing After Blowout Loss

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Kansas State basketball coach Jerome Tang had harsh words for his players after a 91-62 blowout loss to Cincinnati, saying the players "do not deserve to wear this uniform" and that there will be "very few of them in it next year." Fans at the game wore paper bags over their heads with messages pleading for the school to fire Tang, who is in his third season as head coach after serving as an assistant at Baylor for nearly 20 years.

Why it matters

The loss dropped Kansas State to 1-10 in Big 12 conference play and 10-14 on the season, continuing a disappointing campaign for a team that made a deep NCAA tournament run just two seasons ago. Tang's public criticism of his players and the fans' vocal displeasure highlight the growing frustration around the program's struggles.

The details

In the game, Kansas State allowed Cincinnati to make a near-record 16 3-pointers and suffered defensive lapses, including one play where they allowed the Bearcats to rebound a missed free throw and score a dunk. After the game, Tang called the performance "embarrassing" and said the players "don't deserve to be here." More than a dozen students in the stands wore paper bags over their heads with messages asking for the school to buy out Tang's $18.6 million contract.

• The Wildcats lost 91-62 to the Cincinnati Bearcats on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
• The loss dropped Kansas State to 1-10 in Big 12 conference play and 10-14 on the season.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Wildcats will play at No. 3 Houston on Saturday, February 14, 2026, as they continue their difficult Big 12 schedule.