Why these 3 Kansas State coaches are feeling the wrath of fans

Winning fixes everything—until it doesn’t. Kansas State fans are as loyal as they come, but they’re not shy about calling it like they see it.

Lately, a few coaches have found themselves on the wrong side of that loyalty. Whether it's because of disappointing seasons, roster issues, or just not living up to the hype, these three have been catching serious heat or likely will catch heat from a good chunk of the fanbase.

Here’s a look at three coaches who are squarely in the crosshairs of Wildcats fans heading into a crucial stretch.

Jerome Tang – Men’s Basketball Head Coach

It wasn’t long ago that Jerome Tang was riding high in Manhattan. After nearly two decades at Baylor, he led Kansas State to 61 wins over his first three seasons, including a memorable Elite Eight run in 2023. He quickly became one of just four head coaches in school history to make the postseason in each of his first two years.

But after tying for third in the Big 12 in Year 1, things have trended the wrong way. The Wildcats missed the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons, including a 16–17 finish in 2024–25 that saw them slide to ninth place in the Big 12. This, despite the program boasting one of the top NIL budgets in the country.

Roster turnover has become the norm under Tang. While the portal has brought in some talent, continuity has been elusive, and the excitement that once surrounded the program has cooled. His 2025–26 squad may be his most important yet — and the fanbase is watching closely.

Jeff Mittie – Women’s Basketball Head Coach

Jeff Mittie just wrapped up his 11th season in Manhattan, and while the record books will show progress, many fans still feel the program is underperforming.

K-State finished 28–8 this past season, reaching the Sweet Sixteen, but expectations were higher — especially with two AP All-Americans in Ayoka Lee and Serena Sundell on the roster.

The Wildcats were the preseason favorite in the Big 12, but ended up tied for fourth. A loss to USC in the Sweet Sixteen brought a promising season to an early end.

Despite the program’s talent over the years, Mittie has just five NCAA Tournament appearances in over a decade and has never taken a K-State team past the Sweet Sixteen. For a proud program with a deep history, fans are looking for more — and soon.

Matt Wells – Football Offensive Coordinator

Matt Wells hasn’t even coached a game yet as Kansas State’s offensive coordinator, but that hasn’t stopped fans from sharpening their criticism. Expectations are sky-high for budding superstar quarterback Avery Johnson, and fair or not, much of that pressure now lands on Wells’ shoulders.

Wells brings experience from Utah State and Texas Tech, where he developed quarterbacks like Jordan Love and Chuckie Keaton. But he also left behind a reputation for conservative play-calling — something that won't fly in Manhattan, especially if K-State struggles to move the ball.

If you have doubts, just ask Collin Klein. Despite being a program legend, even he wasn’t immune to criticism from the Wildcat faithful during his time as OC. If they turned on him, it’s fair to say no one is off-limits — including Wells.