Big 12 program fires head coach ‘for cause’ following bizarre press conference
Published:
Kansas State has fired head men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang.
News of Tang’s firing broke on Sunday evening. He spent nearly 4 seasons with the Wildcats and led the program to an Elite Eight appearance during his first season back in 2022-23.
Since then, though, Kansas State has struggled. The Wildcats missed the NCAA Tournament in 2024 and 2025 and are just 1-11 in Big 12 play so far this season. Tang’s struggles culminated in a controversial press conference earlier this week where he said his players “didn’t deserve” the K-State uniform.
“This was embarrassing. These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform,” Tang said after a 29-point loss to Cincinnati. “There will be very few of them in it next year. It is just, ridiculous. We have practice at 6 a.m. … I’m pissed.”
On Sunday night, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Kansas State is firing Tang “for cause.” Per a statement from athletic director Gene Taylor, Tang’s “recent public comments” had an impact on the decision to fire him for cause.
If Kansas State successfully fires Tang for cause, it would not owe him the reported $18.67 million that’s left on his contract.
However, Tang will presumably fight Kansas State’s decision to fire him for cause with a lawsuit. He shared a statement with ESPN on Sunday night as well:
I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination. I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach. I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the opportunity to serve as Head Coach at Kansas State. It has been one of the great honors of my life. I am grateful to the players, staff, and fans who make this program so special. I remain proud of what we built together and confident that I have always acted in the best interests of the university and our student-athletes.
Kansas State has not yet named an interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
