Just days after berating his own team in a viral press conference, Jerome Tang’s tenure as Kansas State’s head coach has come to a bitter end.
Breaking: Jerome Tang is out at Kansas State, sources told @PeteThamel.
With the terms of his departure being worked out, there is nearly $19 million still remaining on his contract. pic.twitter.com/5LjwtI4VIG
— ESPN (@espn) February 16, 2026
Tang, whose rant went viral last week after a 29-point loss to Cincinnati, was fired for cause over the remarks he made.
Kansas State has fired MBB HC Jerome Tang *with cause* after he threw his own players under the bus after a bad loss the other day. Potentially cost him $19M a buyout, unclear if it will hold up in court. https://t.co/PMkT0LQJMj pic.twitter.com/Mye29E9xzL
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) February 16, 2026
Tang, who will dispute the with-cause firing, released the following statement:
Jerome Tang has released a statement. pic.twitter.com/vODL2aWnal
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 16, 2026
The Wildcats, who reached the Elite Eight in Tang’s first season (2022-23), have struggled to find consistent momentum in recent seasons.
Some believed Tang would be the one to deliver K-State its first National Championship.
The methodical decline of Jerome Tang in Manhattan needs to be studied. pic.twitter.com/JBRWXY8hpH
— Made For March (@madeformarch) February 12, 2026
Jerome Tang had perfect PR just 3 years ago
– fun new rising star in coaching
– lil baby dance
– elite 8 run
– turned a 5’7 kid into a superstar
– helped Keyontae Johnson turn into a star after multiple heart problemsNow he doesn’t have a job pic.twitter.com/7vfvRYSyHH
— Nick Bateman (CBB guru) (@nickbateman33) February 16, 2026
Now, a looming lawsuit between Tang and K-State will cap off one of the most disappointing college hoops seasons in recent memory.
