Ex-Kansas State Star Blasts Jerome Tang's Firing as 'Disgrace'

Markquis Nowell, a former Kansas State basketball player, criticized the school's decision to fire head coach Jerome Tang.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Former Kansas State basketball player Markquis Nowell took to social media to blast the school's decision to fire head coach Jerome Tang, calling it a "disgrace". Nowell, who played for Tang and helped lead the team to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight in 2023, defended Tang's recent critical comments about his players, arguing that the coach was simply holding them to a high standard. Tang has retained counsel and plans to fight the school's decision to terminate him for cause, which could result in a legal battle over the $18 million he is still owed on his contract.

Why it matters

The firing of Jerome Tang has sparked controversy, with some, like Nowell, arguing that the coach was unfairly dismissed for holding his players accountable. The situation highlights the high-stakes nature of college basketball coaching contracts and the potential for legal battles when schools attempt to terminate coaches for cause.

The details

Kansas State fired head coach Jerome Tang in recent days, with the school attempting to terminate him for cause. This came as a surprise to many, as Tang had led the team to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight just last season. Former Kansas State star Markquis Nowell took to social media to defend Tang, arguing that the coach's critical comments about his players following a loss to Cincinnati were justified and did not warrant termination. Tang has retained counsel and plans to fight the school's decision, as he is owed around $18 million on his contract.

  • On February 17, 2026, former Kansas State player Markquis Nowell blasted the school's decision to fire head coach Jerome Tang.
  • Tang was fired by Kansas State before the completion of his fourth season as the team's head coach.

The players

Markquis Nowell

A former Kansas State basketball player who helped lead the team to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight in 2023 under head coach Jerome Tang.

Jerome Tang

The former head coach of the Kansas State basketball team, who was recently fired by the school despite leading the team to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“I truly agree with you Seth! Coach Tang said nothing wrong during his press conference. All he said was that there is a certain standard you have to play with when playing at Kansas State and the guys that he has there have not met it! cannot believe this this is a disgrace!!”

— Markquis Nowell, Former Kansas State Basketball Player (X (formerly Twitter)

“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, Former Kansas State Head Basketball Coach (ESPN)

“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, Jerome Tang's Lawyer (ESPN)

What’s next

Time will tell how this story ends for Tang and Kansas State, as the Wildcats are looking for a new head coach to take over in the 2026-27 season. Tang has retained counsel and plans to fight the school's decision to terminate him for cause, which could result in a legal battle over the $18 million he is still owed on his contract.

The takeaway

The firing of Jerome Tang has sparked controversy, with some, like former player Markquis Nowell, arguing that the coach was unfairly dismissed for holding his players accountable. The situation highlights the high-stakes nature of college basketball coaching contracts and the potential for legal battles when schools attempt to terminate coaches for cause.