Kansas State parted ways with head coach Jerome Tang on Sunday, just a day after the program’s sixth straight loss of the season against No. 3 Houston.
BREAKING: Kansas State has parted ways with head coach Jerome Tang, @PeteNakos & @JoeTipton report.https://t.co/geqKVghezc pic.twitter.com/PiyjB7nZP4
— On3 (@On3) February 16, 2026
According to reports from Pete Nakos and On3, the Wildcats (10-15, 1-11 Big 12) parted ways with Tang in his fourth year, just days after Wednesday’s 92-61 home loss to Cincinnati.
In another report from the Manhattan Mercury, K-State said the termination was for cause in relation to "public disrepute, embarrassment, ridicule" to Kansas State.
Later reports by Pete Thamel confirmed that was the case. Should it stand, the $18.7 million buyout for termination without cause attached to Tang's contract will not be paid by the Athletics Department.
Per ESPN sources, Kansas State is firing Jerome Tang for cause. They’ve informed him of this formally tonight. The basis for the for cause firing is language in his contract that references any activity that brings “public disrepute, embarrassment, ridicule” to Kansas State. https://t.co/OFXFG0pq4K
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 16, 2026
The news comes after Tang’s eye-opening press conference in which he said his players “do not deserve to wear this uniform,” and “there will be very few of them in it next year.”
Athletics Director Gene Taylor also announced Sunday night that associate head coach Matthew Driscoll will act as the program's interim head coach.