Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach After Criticizing Players

Jerome Tang's comments about his team's "embarrassing" loss led to his dismissal, the school said.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Kansas State University has fired head basketball coach Jerome Tang after he publicly criticized his players following a blowout loss to Cincinnati. In a press conference, Tang described the team's performance as "embarrassing" and said the players "do not deserve to wear this uniform." The school's athletic director cited Tang's "recent public comments and conduct" as not aligning with the university's standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the school.

Why it matters

Coaches criticizing players publicly is a controversial and divisive issue in college sports. While some believe it can motivate players, others see it as unprofessional and damaging to team morale. Kansas State's decision to fire Tang highlights how universities are increasingly holding coaches accountable for their treatment of student-athletes.

The details

After the Wildcats lost 91-62 to Cincinnati on February 11, Tang unloaded on his players in the postgame press conference. He said the team's performance was "embarrassing" and that the players "do not deserve to wear this uniform." Tang also said he was "embarrassed for the university" and "pissed" about the loss. Kansas State's athletic director cited Tang's "recent public comments and conduct" as the reason for his dismissal, saying they "have not aligned with K-State's standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university."

  • On February 11, 2026, Kansas State lost 91-62 to Cincinnati.
  • On February 14, 2026, Kansas State lost to Houston, dropping their record to 10-15 on the season.

The players

Jerome Tang

The former head basketball coach at Kansas State University who was fired after criticizing his players following a blowout loss.

Gene Taylor

The athletic director at Kansas State University who announced Tang's dismissal, citing his recent public comments and conduct as not aligning with the university's standards.

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What they’re saying

“This was embarrassing. These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform, and 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.”

— Jerome Tang, Former Head Basketball Coach, Kansas State University (people.com)

“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 (people.com)

What’s next

The university is pursuing a for-cause firing of Tang, which would allow them to avoid paying the remaining $18.67 million on his contract that was set to last through 2030.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance coaches must strike between holding players accountable and publicly criticizing them. While some believe tough love can motivate players, universities are increasingly holding coaches responsible for their treatment of student-athletes and the impact on team morale and the school's reputation.