Kansas State Seeking New Basketball Coach After Firing Jerome Tang

Top candidates include Josh Schertz, Jerrod Calhoun, and Chris Jans to replace the former Wildcats coach

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Kansas State has fired head basketball coach Jerome Tang after less than three years on the job, following the team's failure to build on its 2023 Elite Eight appearance. The Wildcats are now searching for a new leader, with top candidates including Josh Schertz of Saint Louis, Jerrod Calhoun of Utah State, and Chris Jans of Mississippi State. The school is looking to make a splash hire that can return the program to national prominence in the highly competitive Big 12 conference.

Why it matters

Kansas State has shown a willingness to invest heavily in its basketball program, but the firing of Tang after a short tenure suggests the administration is unsatisfied with the team's recent performance and trajectory. The Wildcats are seeking an experienced, proven head coach who can recruit top talent and lead the team back to the NCAA Tournament on a consistent basis.

The details

Kansas State parted ways with Jerome Tang on Sunday night, less than three years after he led the team to the 2023 Elite Eight. The Wildcats have struggled to build on that success, going 38-25 over the past two-plus seasons. The school is now casting a wide net for Tang's replacement, with several up-and-coming mid-major coaches emerging as top candidates.

  • Kansas State fired Jerome Tang on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Josh Schertz

The head coach of Saint Louis, who has turned the Billikens into one of the most dangerous teams in the country with a high-powered offense and stifling defense.

Jerrod Calhoun

The head coach of Utah State, who has led the Aggies to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and is considered one of the rising stars in the coaching ranks.

Chris Jans

The head coach of Mississippi State, who has built NCAA Tournament-caliber teams in seven of the last nine seasons at both Mississippi State and New Mexico State.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.