Kansas State University has parted ways with men’s basketball head coach Jerome Tang after four seasons leading the Wildcats program, according to multiple reports. The decision comes amid a difficult 2025–26 campaign in which K-State stumbled to a 1–11 start in Big 12 play, culminating with Saturday’s 78-64 loss at Houston.
Tang’s tenure at Kansas State never got turned around after a magical run to the Elite 8 during his first season with the Wildcats. Picked near the bottom of preseason expectations, his Wildcats finished 26–10, tied for third in the Big 12, and went on a deep NCAA Tournament run to the Elite Eight — the school’s first appearance at that stage since 2018.
But since then, it’s been all downhill for Kansas State under Tang. The following season the Cats missed the NCAA Tournament, finishing 19-15. And then, last season the Cats went 16-17. But this season was rock bottom with Kansas State being uncompetitive in recent weeks, including a 1-11 mark in the league.
But one of the reasons it was believed Tang was safe was due to the buyout, however it was not yet been reported what the plan is as the two sides look to come to an agreement.
Jerome Tang’s Massive Buyout
Before April 30, 2026 – $18.675MAfter 2026-27 – $15.75MAfter 2027-28 – $12.75MAfter 2028-29 – $9.675MAfter 2029-30 – $6.525MBetween May 2030 and April 2031 – $4.4M or remaining unpaid salary
Now this is what’s in his contract, but it’s not expected to be what Tang agrees to as he parts ways with Kansas State University.
Jerome Tang has finished his tenure at Kansas State with a 71-57 record.
/Winners%20&%20Losers%20header%20template%20(2).webp?ssl=1 "5 Winners and 2 Losers from the first 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain – who was left itching to make up for lost ground?")
