Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Jerome Tang

Dismissal comes days after fans wore bags over heads during blowout loss

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kansas State University has fired head basketball coach Jerome Tang, just four days after many Wildcats fans showed up to a home game with bags over their heads in disgust following a blowout loss. Athletic director Gene Taylor cited recent public comments and conduct, as well as the overall direction of the program, as reasons for the dismissal.

Why it matters

Tang's firing comes after a tumultuous season for the Wildcats, who have struggled on the court and faced embarrassment from fans publicly expressing their displeasure. The move raises questions about the state of the program and the university's expectations for its basketball team.

The details

Kansas State (10-15, 1-11 Big 12) fell 78-64 on Saturday at No. 3 Houston, the Wildcats' sixth straight loss. In four seasons at the school, the 59-year-old Tang was 71-57 overall and 29-39 in the conference. He led the Wildcats to a 26-10 mark in his first season.

  • On Wednesday night at home in a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati, many fans wore bags over their heads in disgust.
  • Kansas State fired basketball coach Jerome Tang on Sunday night.

The players

Jerome Tang

The former head basketball coach of Kansas State University, who was fired after four seasons with the program.

Gene Taylor

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

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This was embarrassing. These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year. I'm embarrassed for the university, I'm embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is just ridiculous. We've got practice at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, and we will get this thing right. I have no answer and no words.”

— Jerome Tang, Former Head Coach (Associated Press)

“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 (Associated Press)

What’s next

The school said an interim head coach will be announced soon, and that a national search for a replacement has started.

The takeaway

Tang's dismissal highlights the high expectations and intense scrutiny facing college basketball coaches, especially at prominent programs like Kansas State. The university's decision to part ways with Tang so quickly after a public display of fan discontent suggests the administration is prioritizing a quick turnaround and a return to winning ways for the Wildcats.