The list of candidates to become the next head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats men's basketball program appears to be shrinking, and one potential option reportedly took himself out of the running.
The development shifts the conversation toward Utah State head coach Jerrod Calhoun as a possible target for Kansas State. Still, the search remains ongoing, and a final decision has yet to be made.
Saint Louis head coach Josh Shertz reportedly ‘out of the mix’ as Kansas State Wildcats’ next head coach
CBS Sports college basketball insider Matt Norlander tweeted out Friday evening that Kansas State made contact with Shertz regarding the position. In short, he declined.
K-State has made contact with Schertz but he will not be coaching there next year. Out of the mix there.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 6, 2026
Saint Louis is in the midst of presenting a huge contract upgrade to try and keep Schertz around for at least another season, sources said. https://t.co/oKokViecOg
“K-State has made contact with Schertz but he will not be coaching there next year. Out of the mix there.” The tweet read.
The conversation shifts after former Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang was fired 'for cause' following the Wildcats road loss to Houston. Tang sparked controversy following a viral rant after Kansas State's 29-point loss to Cincinnati.
Schertz was among three names in contention for the job, including Calhoun and Belmont head coach Casey Alexander. Both Schertz’ Billikens and the Bruins sat atop their respective conferences ahead of postseason play with a chance at bids for the NCAA tournament.
The top-seeded Bruins were eliminated in the quarterfinal round of the Arch Madness tournament by Drake early Friday afternoon.
Utah State head coach Jerrod Calhoun responds to Kansas State rumors
Calhoun was asked about the job ahead of the Aggies’ next game against New Mexico. He called this time of year “silly season time.”
Here’s what Utah State coach Jerrod Calhoun said when @jwalker_sports asked him about the K-State job today pic.twitter.com/8ewl8T3MRy
— Kellis Robinett (@KellisRobinett) March 6, 2026
“The only thing I’m focused on is the 2 o’clock game tomorrow [and] winning the outright championship,” Calhoun said. “This new regime has been really, really good and I think we’re in a really good place heading into the Pac 12.
If a move by Calhoun takes place, the likelihood of a roster overhaul isn’t out of the conversation. The Aggies have a handful of young starters, many who could fit the scheme at Kansas State.
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