{"id":177916,"date":"2026-02-16T21:42:53","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T02:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=177916"},"modified":"2026-02-16T21:42:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T02:42:53","slug":"did-jerome-tang-deserve-to-be-fired-by-kansas-state-and-what-other-power-conference-coaches-could-be-on-way-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/02\/16\/did-jerome-tang-deserve-to-be-fired-by-kansas-state-and-what-other-power-conference-coaches-could-be-on-way-out\/","title":{"rendered":"Did Jerome Tang Deserve To Be Fired by Kansas State and What Other Power Conference Coaches Could Be On Way Out?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Kansas State Wildcat<\/a>s became the first of likely several college basketball programs<\/a> to look for a new coach after firing Jerome Tang l<\/a>ate last night.<\/p>\n

Did Jerome Tang Deserve To Be Fired, And Who Are The Candidates To Replace Him At Kansas State?<\/h2>\n

Tang burst onto the scene, leading a veteran and talented 2022-23 Wildcats squad to the Elite 8 in his first year as head coach after being a longtime assistant. The Wildcats 26 victories that season are the third most in program history. It was also the first time that they reached the Regional Final since 2018.<\/p>\n

While that season was the tip of the mountain, and there is nothing wrong with it, each of his subsequent seasons got progressively worse. The Wildcats only recorded one other winning season, and his rookie campaign was his lone trip to the Big Dance. The Cats did make the NIT in 2024, falling to Iowa in the first round.<\/p>\n

This season was a total disaster, and it came to a climax when Tang totally embarrassed himself and the K-State program with his recent rant. The Wildcats returned very little production from a season ago, when they were 16-17, and had nine newcomers.<\/p>\n

While the Wildcats (10-15) got off to a strong start with some good wins, they stumbled to a 1-11 record in the Big 12\u2014the Wildcats, whose lone conference win is over Utah, which also has just one conference victory. The Wildcats have lost six straight, with four of those setbacks by double digits. They have been outscored by nearly 13 points a game in conference play.\u00a0 Additionally, they rank in the bottom half of the league in both offensive and defensive efficiency.<\/p>\n

Why Was Jerome Tang Fired?<\/h3>\n

To make matters worse, Tang’s rant following K-State’s 91-62 loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday went viral.<\/p>\n

“This was embarrassing,” Tang told the media after the game against the Bearcats.<\/a>\u00a0 “These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform, and there will be very few of them in it next year. I’m embarrassed for the university, for our fans, and for our student section. It’s just ridiculous.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m pissed,” Tang continued. \u00a0“These dudes have to have some pride, man. It means something to wear a K-State uniform. It means something to put on this purple, man. Our university’s all about that, and it’s why I love this place, man. They don’t love this place, so they don’t deserve to be here.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Tang finishes his tenure with a 71-57 record, though he was just 29-39 in Big 12 play.\u00a0 The 2021-22 Naismith Basketball Coach of the Year was signed through April 2031. He is slated to receive an $18.6 buyout, though he was fired by K-State with cause, according to K-State athletic director Gene Taylor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men\u2019s basketball program,” Taylor said on Sunday. \u201cRecent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program\u2019s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State\u2019s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

ESPN<\/a> reported that Tang is fighting the firing “for cause”. Not that this is a surprise, no one wants to lose millions of dollars.<\/p>\n

“I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination,” he told ESPN in a statement. “I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Will Replace Jerome Tang?<\/h3>\n

So, yeah, Kansas State made the right decision to let Tang go. He was probably never cut out to be a head coach, despite a proven track record as a 20-year assistant. There are plenty of examples to back up this claim.<\/p>\n

Kansas State had three future NBA players on Tang’s first squad. The Wildcats never won 20 games after year one and got progressively worse each season despite K-State paying a lot of money for this year’s team (NIL<\/a>).<\/p>\n

There were other issues. Eight of the Wildcats’ 15 losses were by double digits, and they were just 9-7 at home, with each of those losses by nine or more points. One of the Cats’ home losses was to Bowling Green by 16. Meanwhile, half of their setbacks away from home were by one possession. Additionally, the Wildcats have admittedly quit on Tang.<\/p>\n

Associate head coach Matt Driscoll<\/a> takes over for the rest of the season on an interim basis. Driscoll is a good choice for the time being as he is a veteran head coach with a proven track record. The 61-year-old posted a 248-264 record in 16 seasons at North Florida (2009-2024), leading the Ospreys to three A-Sun regular season titles and one NCAA tournament. He was named the conference coach of the year three times.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span>\u00a9 Scott Sewell, Imagn Images<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/smartframe-embed><\/p><\/h4>\n

Ranking Top 7 Potential Candidates To Replace Tang<\/h4>\n

While Driscoll is a good choice for the present, he is not a realistic candidate for the full-time gig. Taylor will have plenty of time to sift through his laundry list of potential candidates. Despite there being little information about potential candidates, here is a look at five realistic options.<\/p>\n

1. Jerrod Calhoun, Utah State Aggies<\/h5>\n

Jerrod Calhoun<\/a> has kept the engine running at Utah State after spending seven years at the helm at Youngstown State. Calhoun has a 166-117 record in nine seasons, including 48-11 with the Aggies. The Aggies (22-3) are on pace to post the ssecond-bestrecord in program history this year.<\/p>\n

Calhoun is a consistent winner. The 44-year-old is an excellent evaluator of talent, a proven culture builder, and is flexible with schemes on both ends.<\/p>\n

2. Travis Steele, Miami Redhawks<\/h5>\n

Travis Steele<\/a> did a fine job at Xavier before being let go after four seasons (70-50), and now has built Miami (OH) into a MAC contender. The RedHawks are the last D-I team at 25-0 this year. He has led the program to its two most wins in school history in the last two years, including 25 last season.<\/p>\n

3. Takayo Siddle, UNC Wilmington<\/h5>\n

Takayo Siddle<\/a> is on the rise. Siddle, who played at Gardner-Webb, has led UNC Wilmington the past six seasons and posted 20 wins in five straight, including this year. He owns a 128-51 record overall.<\/p>\n

4. Josh Schertz, St. Louis<\/strong> Billikens<\/h5>\n

Josh Schertz<\/a> has been a college head coach since 2008, starting at Division II Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.), and has rebuilt Indiana State and Saint Louis. Schertz 0wn a Division I record of 109-54 in five years, posting a 43-16 record since joining St. Louis before the start of last season. The 2023-24 Hugh Durham award winner is known as an elite offensive architect with modern spacing and ball movement.<\/p>\n

5. John Groce, Akron Zips<\/h5>\n

John Groce<\/a> has won in each of his three stops, including at Illinois (70-50). Groce has 368 career wins with seven conference titles (five conference tournament crowns) and a 4-6 NCAA tournament record.<\/p>\n

6. Chris Jans, Mississippi State Bulldogs<\/h5>\n

Chris Jans<\/a> is a proven winner, but does he want to leave Mississippi State for K-State? Jans has done a fantastic job with the Bulldogs, posting a 75-53 record and making the NCAA tournament in each of his first three seasons.<\/p>\n

7. Casey Alexander, Belmont Bruins<\/h5>\n

Casey Alexander<\/a> has had a lot of success in the regular season recently at Lipscomb and Belmont, posting 20 victories in 10 straight seasons. Alexander owns a 301-178 record in 15 seasons as a head coach, but has not been to the NCAA tournament once.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/smartframe-embed><\/p><\/h4>\n

Major Conference Coaches Who Could Get Fired Between Now and May<\/h4>\n

Earl Grant, Boston College Eagles<\/h4>\n

Boston College hasn’t made the NCAA tournament since 2009. But Earl Grant<\/a> has been given plenty of time to make progress, and except for going 20-16 three seasons ago, they have not made any. Grant is 70-88 at BC, and the Eagles are on pace for the worst season in his five seasons at Chestnut Hill (9-16). Furthermore, he is just 29-63 in ACC play. His contract expires after next season.<\/p>\n

Thad Matta, Butler Bulldogs<\/h4>\n

Butler hasn’t been relevant in the Big East since 2019-20, and their NCAA tournament streak will likely extend to eight straight years, if they don’t win the conference tournament. Thad Matta<\/a> is 84-74 with the Bulldogs, but just 25-50 in conference play. His contract expires next season.<\/p>\n

Jeff Capel II, Pitt Panthers<\/h4>\n

Jeff Capel II<\/a> has been on the hot seat for several seasons and is 123-124 over his career. Pitt has posted a winning record in three of the last four years, though it is just 9-17 this year, and has made just one NCAA tournament appearance in seven seasons. The Panthers are also just 10-23 in ACC play over the last two campaigns, going 2-11 this season. He is under contract through 2028-29.<\/p>\n

Bobby Hurley, Arizona State Sun Devils<\/h4>\n

Bobby Hurley<\/a> has been at the helm of ASU since 2015-2016, posting a 181-161 record. The Sun Devils, 13-12 in 2025-26, could be headed for a third consecutive losing season. The Sun Devils have also made only three NCAA Tournament appearances under Hurley, who is in the final year of his deal, with just two victories.<\/p>\n

Tad Boyle, Colorado Buffaloes<\/h4>\n

Tad Boyle<\/a> is CU’s all-time leader in wins, but the Buffaloes have struggled since moving to the Big 12 (7-26). Boyle is in his 16th season, though he has only six NCAA tournament berths, including two in the last six seasons. His contract runs through 2028-29.<\/p>\n

Micah Shrewsberry, Notre Dame Fighting Irish<\/h4>\n

Micah Shrewsberry<\/a> has a losing career record and is just 40-52 at Notre Dame. The Irish are looking at their third straight losing season, as they are 12-14. They are also 18-35 in ACC play, including 3-10 this season. His contract runs through 2028-29.<\/p>\n

Steve Pikiell, Rutgers Scarlet Knights<\/h4>\n

Steve Pikiell<\/a> is in the midst of his third straight losing season. He owns a 157-155 record in 10 seasons with the Scarlett Knights. His contract runs through 2031.<\/p>\n

Other Coaches<\/h4>\n

Wayne Tinkle<\/a>, Oregon State Beavers<\/p>\n

Dana Altman,<\/a> Oregon Ducks (possible retirement)<\/p>\n

Matt McMahon<\/a>,\u00a0 LSU Tigers<\/p>\n

Porter Moser<\/a>, Oklahoma Sooners<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Kansas State Wildcats became the first of likely several college basketball programs to look for a new coach after firing Jerome Tang late last night. Did Jerome Tang Deserve To Be Fired, And Who Are The Candidates To Replace Him At Kansas State? Tang burst onto the scene, leading a veteran and talented 2022-23 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3146,"featured_media":177990,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,2,3],"tags":[2980,1512,856,1350,50337],"class_list":["post-177916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-featured","category-news","tag-big-12-basketball","tag-kansas-state-wildcats","tag-notre-dame-fighting-irish","tag-oklahoma-sooners","tag-pittsburgh-panthers"],"modified_by":"Daniel Benjamin","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3146"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=177916"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177916\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":177991,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177916\/revisions\/177991"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/177990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=177916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=177916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=177916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}