Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Jerome Tang

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

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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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 the program's overall direction as factors in the decision to part ways with the 59-year-old coach.

Why it matters

The firing of a high-profile college basketball coach is always newsworthy, but this case is particularly notable given the unusual fan protest that preceded it. The incident highlighted the frustration of Kansas State supporters with the team's struggles this season and put added pressure on the university to make a change.

The details

Kansas State dismissed Tang on Sunday night, just days after the Wildcats suffered a 91-62 home loss to Cincinnati that prompted many fans to wear bags over their heads in protest. In the aftermath of that game, Tang acknowledged the embarrassment, saying the players "do not deserve to wear this uniform" and that there would be "very few of them in it next year." The Wildcats went on to lose 78-64 at No. 3 Houston on Saturday, their sixth straight defeat. In four seasons at Kansas State, Tang compiled a 71-57 overall record and 29-39 mark in Big 12 play, including a 26-10 debut campaign.

  • On Wednesday, February 12, 2026, Kansas State lost 91-62 at home to Cincinnati.
  • On Saturday, February 15, 2026, Kansas State lost 78-64 at No. 3 Houston.
  • On Sunday, February 16, 2026, Kansas State fired head coach Jerome Tang.

The players

Jerome Tang

The 59-year-old former head coach of the Kansas State men's basketball team, who was dismissed after four seasons at the helm.

Gene Taylor

The athletic director at 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 (wbal.com)

“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, Kansas State Men's Basketball (wbal.com)

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

The firing of Jerome Tang at Kansas State comes amid growing frustration from the team's fanbase, as evidenced by the unusual protest of fans wearing bags over their heads during a blowout loss. The university cited Tang's public comments and the program's overall direction as factors in the decision, signaling a desire for a new direction and renewed commitment to supporting student-athletes and representing the university.