$3.2 Million College Basketball Head Coach Fired Amid 6-Game Losing Streak

Kansas State made a change at head coach for its men’s basketball program on Sunday.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Kansas State has fired men’s basketball head coach Jerome Tang for cause. The school informed him of its decision during the evening hours on Sunday.

Thamel later reported that Tang plans to fight Kansas State for the cause of firing. He’s owed $18.67 million, per his contract. He was also making $3.2 million this season

“I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination,” Tang told Thamel.

Tang was the head coach at Kansas State for the last four seasons, compiling a 71-57 overall record. His best season came in 2022-23 when he led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight in the 2023 NCAA Tournament and a 26-10 overall record.

Kansas State Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang reacts from the bench during the second half against Iowa State in the Big-12 men’s basketball showdown at Hilton Coliseum on Feb 1, 2025 in Ames, Iowa. © Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Wildcats are 10-15 this season and are currently on a six-game losing streak. They’re also only 1-11 in Big 12 play this season. They’re coming off a 78-64 loss at the hands of the Houston Cougars on Saturday after they got embarrassed 91-62 by the Cincinnati Bearcats last Wednesday.

The Wildcats will have their next game this Tuesday against the Baylor Bears. It will be their first game without Tang as the head coach. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.