Kansas State has dismissed men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang, the university announced on Sunday night, just four days after a humiliating home defeat saw disgruntled fans don bags over their heads in protest.
Athletic director Gene Taylor confirmed the decision in a statement, asserting: “This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball programme.
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“Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the programme’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward.”
The university stated that an interim head coach would be appointed shortly, with a national search for a permanent replacement already underway.
Tang, however, expressed his strong disagreement with the termination, telling ESPN: “I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterisation of my termination. I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach.”
The dismissal follows a particularly dismal 91-62 loss to Cincinnati last Wednesday, where many fans visibly expressed their disgust by wearing bags over their heads.
Tang’s dismissal came days after a fan protest (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Following that game, Tang himself admitted: “This was embarrassing. These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year.
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“I’m embarrassed for the university, I’m embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is just ridiculous. We’ve got practice at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, and we will get this thing right. I have no answer and no words.”
Kansas State, currently holding a 10-15 record overall and 1-11 in the Big 12 conference, suffered their sixth consecutive loss on Saturday, falling 78-64 to No. 3 Houston.
The 59-year-old Tang concludes his four-season tenure with a 71-57 overall record and 29-39 in conference play, notably leading the Wildcats to a 26-10 mark in his inaugural season.
The team’s next fixture is scheduled for Tuesday night at home against Baylor, a programme where Tang served as an assistant coach for 19 seasons, including their 2021 national title victory.
