Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Jerome Tang Amid $18 Million Buyout Dispute

Tang's lawyers promise "embarrassment" for the university after his abrupt dismissal.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kansas State University has fired men's basketball coach Jerome Tang, citing "recent public comments and conduct" as well as the program's "overall direction" as reasons for the dismissal. The firing nullified Tang's $18.7 million buyout, prompting his lawyers to promise an ugly legal fight to recoup the money. Tang, who was 71-57 in three-plus seasons with the Wildcats, strongly disagreed with the university's decision and said he had always acted with integrity.

Why it matters

This high-profile firing and subsequent legal battle highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by college basketball coaches, especially those at major programs like Kansas State. The dispute also raises questions about the standards of conduct expected of coaches and the use of "for cause" terminations to avoid large buyout payments.

The details

Kansas State cited a clause in Tang's contract that prohibited "any behavior, actions, or activities that subjects coach, K-State Athletics, or the university to public disrepute, embarrassment, ridicule, or scandal." This was seemingly in reference to Tang's viral postgame comments after a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati, where he criticized his players' commitment to the program. The Wildcats have struggled in Tang's three-plus seasons, going 16-17 last year and sitting at 10-15 overall and 1-11 in the Big 12 this season.

  • On Sunday, February 16, 2026, Kansas State announced Tang's abrupt firing.
  • On Monday, February 17, 2026, Tang's lawyers promised an "embarrassment" for the university in the upcoming legal battle over the $18.7 million buyout.

The players

Jerome Tang

The former head coach of the Kansas State men's basketball team, who was fired after three-plus seasons with the program.

Kansas State University

The public research university that fired Jerome Tang as its men's basketball coach, citing his recent conduct and the program's overall direction.

Tom Mars

One of the lawyers representing Jerome Tang in his legal fight against Kansas State over the $18.7 million buyout.

Bennett Speyer

The other lawyer representing Jerome Tang in his legal fight against Kansas State over the $18.7 million buyout.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If K-State's President and AD really think the school was embarrassed by recent events, that's nothing compared to the embarrassment that both of them are about to experience.”

— Tom Mars and Bennett Speyer, Lawyers for Jerome Tang (ESPN)

“I am deeply disappointed with the university's decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination. I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach.”

— Jerome Tang (Statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide in the coming weeks whether to allow Kansas State to avoid paying Tang's $18.7 million buyout.

The takeaway

This high-profile firing and ensuing legal battle highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by college basketball coaches, as well as the complex contractual disputes that can arise when a university terminates a coach 'for cause' to avoid a large buyout payment. The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for how universities handle similar situations in the future.