K-State Seeks Experienced Head Coach for Basketball Program

Athletic Director Gene Taylor prioritizes head coaching experience in search for new Wildcats basketball coach.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Kansas State University is searching for a new head basketball coach after firing Jerome Tang midway through a disappointing season. Athletic Director Gene Taylor says the school will focus on candidates with prior head coaching experience, looking for someone who can turn the program around and restore its reputation as a national power.

Why it matters

K-State is one of the first major college basketball programs to have an opening this offseason, giving them an early start on the coaching search. The Wildcats are looking to rebound quickly after a down year and find the right leader to rebuild the team into a contender in the Big 12 Conference.

The details

Tang was fired 'for cause' by K-State after the team struggled to a 10-win season so far. Athletic Director Gene Taylor says the school will prioritize candidates with prior head coaching experience, looking at factors like the success and reputation of their previous programs. Some potential candidates mentioned include Illinois' Brad Underwood and Saint Louis' Josh Schertz, though Taylor says the school will cast a wide net in its search.

  • K-State fired head coach Jerome Tang on Sunday, midway through the 2026-27 season.
  • The Wildcats are the first power-conference team to have a head coaching vacancy this offseason.

The players

Gene Taylor

The athletic director at Kansas State University who is leading the search for a new head basketball coach.

Jerome Tang

The former head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats basketball team, who was fired 'for cause' midway through the 2026-27 season.

Brad Underwood

The current head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team, who is considered a potential candidate for the K-State job.

Josh Schertz

The current head coach of the Saint Louis Billikens basketball team, who is also considered a potential candidate for the K-State job.

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What they’re saying

“This is a great program, and it's got a great reputation. I have no concerns at all about attracting top candidates.”

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

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

K-State is looking to quickly rebound from a down season and restore its reputation as a national basketball power. The school's early start on the coaching search gives them an advantage in finding the right experienced head coach to lead the program back to success.