Kansas State Fires Men's Basketball Coach After Venting Frustrations

School cites 'recent public comments and conduct' as reason for dismissal, but contract buyout looms large

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Kansas State University has fired its men's basketball coach Jerome Tang, citing his recent public comments criticizing the team's lack of commitment and overall program direction as the reason for the dismissal. However, the university now faces a hefty $18.67 million contract buyout, highlighting the trend of schools writing deals they later regret.

Why it matters

This case exemplifies the broader issue of college athletic departments signing long-term, lucrative contracts with coaches, only to later have buyer's remorse when the team's performance declines. It raises questions about the prudence of such contracts and the willingness of schools to hold coaches accountable versus the financial burden of terminating agreements.

The details

In 2022-23, Jerome Tang led Kansas State to the Elite Eight in his first season as head coach, earning him a new long-term contract through 2030 with significant pay increases. However, the team's performance has declined in the subsequent three seasons, with just one Big 12 conference win this year. After a recent blowout loss, Tang publicly criticized his players' lack of commitment, leading the university to terminate his contract, citing his 'recent public comments and conduct' as the reason.

  • In 2022-23, Tang led Kansas State to the Elite Eight.
  • After the 2022-23 season, Kansas State gave Tang a new long-term contract through 2030.
  • This season, Kansas State has just one Big 12 conference win as of February 2026.
  • On February 16, 2026, Tang criticized his players' lack of commitment after a blowout loss.
  • The next day, Kansas State fired Tang, citing his 'recent public comments and conduct'.

The players

Jerome Tang

The former head coach of the Kansas State men's basketball team, who was fired after three seasons despite leading the team to the Elite Eight in his first year.

Gene Taylor

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

Markquis Nowell

A 5'8" guard who transferred to Kansas State and played a key role in the team's Elite Eight run in 2022-23 under Jerome Tang.

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What they’re saying

“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. I have no words.”

— Jerome Tang, Former Head Coach

“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.”

— Gene Taylor, Athletic Director

What’s next

The university and Tang will likely enter into legal negotiations over the $18.67 million contract buyout, as schools often try to find ways to avoid paying the full amount owed to terminated coaches.

The takeaway

This case highlights the broader trend of college athletic departments making questionable long-term coaching hires and contract decisions, only to later regret them when the team's performance declines. It underscores the need for more prudent and measured approaches to coaching contracts in college sports.