Matthew Driscoll only found misery stepping in for Jerome Tang

Kansas State interim head coach Matthew Driscoll wasn’t dealt an easy hand stepping in for former Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang. The only way he described it following the team’s 105-91 loss to BYU – “miserable.”

Matthew Driscoll ‘miserable’ after taking over as Wildcats’ interim head coach

Tang was fired “for cause” following the Wildcats’ 78-64 loss to the Houston Cougars, right after opting to remove player names from the back of the team’s jerseys. Earlier reports indicated the termination was caused by Tang’s rant following a 29-point loss to Cincinnati. 

When Driscoll took over, the Wildcats were a mere 1-11 in conference play with a lone win in the Big 12 over Utah. Since then, the team won two games, first the following game against Baylor and later against the West Virginia Mountaineers on senior day. 

After last night’s game, Driscoll didn’t hold back on the effect it had on both him and the Wildcats players. 

“I can’t use another word than absolutely miserable,” Driscoll said. “Every day, ulcers, not sleeping, [and] not feeling good. I’ve had a problem my whole life, and when I reached out to our psychologist that did testing on us, he just said ‘coach, that’s just the way you’re wired.’”

What Matthew Driscoll meant by the ‘miserable feeling’

Driscoll didn’t say that coaching these players was miserable – that’s not the case at all. He referred to getting thrown into the fire, putting his name on the line and the risks stepping up midseason. 

“All you’re about is making sure things are organized, and things are right.” Driscoll said. “When somebody gives me a task, my dad says ‘your last name is on everything, don’t ever screw up our last name.’ Because of that, I’m wired differently.”

It reportedly had nothing to do with the players, and everything about proving his worth in one of the toughest conferences in the country. According to Driscoll, that was the toughest challenge of all. 

“It’s been very hard to mourn, or be emotional.” Driscoll continued. “[Tang] and I are best friends… but it’s because he asked me to do something, and I told these dudes I’m going to do it.”

Kansas State focus shifting towards new head coaching search

Driscoll made it clear earlier this season that he didn’t come to K-State to occupy the head coaching role. With the season over, the focus now shifts onto making the hire. 

Three frontruners have emerged in the last few weeks, including Utah State head coach Jerrod Calhoun and Belmont head coach Casey Alexander. Saint Louis head coach Josh Schertz was reportedly offered the position, but declined. 

A new hire is expected to come in the next two or three weeks.

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