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Manhattan Today
By the People, for the People
K-State Fires Basketball Coach Jerome Tang
University cites "embarrassing" comments about team's performance as grounds for termination
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Kansas State University has fired its men's basketball head coach Jerome Tang, citing his public comments criticizing the team's "embarrassing" performance as grounds for termination. The move has sparked controversy, with many observers questioning whether the university's justification will hold up.
Why it matters
Coaches being fired for criticizing their own teams is a rare and controversial move, raising questions about academic freedom, transparency, and the balance of power between university administrations and athletic programs.
The details
According to reports, K-State athletic director Gene Taylor decided to terminate Tang's contract after the coach publicly described his team's recent performance as "embarrassing." The university claims Tang's comments violated his contract, but many believe the firing is an overreaction and an attempt to silence criticism of the program.
- On February 15, 2026, Jerome Tang criticized his team's performance as "embarrassing" following a loss.
- On February 16, 2026, K-State announced it was firing Tang for cause.
The players
Jerome Tang
The former head coach of the Kansas State University men's basketball team.
Gene Taylor
The athletic director of Kansas State University who made the decision to fire Jerome Tang.
What’s next
The two sides are expected to enter negotiations over the terms of Tang's contract termination, with Tang potentially seeking the full remaining value of his deal.
The takeaway
This case highlights the delicate balance between academic freedom, transparency, and the outsized influence of college athletics programs, raising questions about how much leeway coaches should have to criticize their teams without fear of reprisal.
