Some Potential Kansas State Coaching Candidates No One is Talking About

Who are some under the radar candidates to replace Jerome Tang?

Feb. 22, 2026 at 5:39pm

With Kansas State parting ways with head coach Jerome Tang, the school is searching for a new leader. While some high-profile names may be mentioned, this article highlights a couple under-the-radar candidates that could be worth considering - Bob Richey from Furman and Sundance Wicks from Wyoming.

Why it matters

Kansas State is looking to rebuild its men's basketball program after a disappointing season, and finding the right coach will be crucial to getting the team back on track. Richey and Wicks may not be household names, but their track records of success at smaller programs could make them intriguing options.

The details

Bob Richey has built Furman into a consistent winner, leading the team to 22 or more wins six times since 2018 and an NCAA Tournament upset of Virginia. Sundance Wicks turned around the program at Green Bay before taking the Wyoming job, known for his energetic coaching style and ability to motivate players. Both coaches have shown they can win at the mid-major level and could bring a fresh perspective to the Big 12 powerhouse.

  • Kansas State parted ways with head coach Jerome Tang in February 2026 after four seasons.

The players

Bob Richey

The head coach of the Furman Paladins, Richey has led the mid-major program to consistent success, including an NCAA Tournament win over Virginia in 2023.

Sundance Wicks

The current head coach of the Wyoming Cowboys, Wicks is known for his energetic coaching style and ability to turn around struggling programs, as he did at Green Bay.

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What’s next

The Kansas State athletic department will continue its search for a new head coach to lead the men's basketball program, with Richey and Wicks potentially emerging as under-the-radar candidates worth considering.

The takeaway

While the Kansas State job may attract some high-profile names, the school could find success by looking at up-and-coming coaches like Richey and Wicks who have proven they can build winning programs at the mid-major level.