Kansas State Drops Shocking Move That Could Reshape Men’s Basketball Future Overnight
So here’s the scoop that shook the college basketball scene this weekend — with March Madness just around the corner, Kansas State University pulled the rug out early and made a bold call. Late Sunday night, the Wildcats parted ways with their men’s head coach, Jerome Tang, who’d been steering the ship for four seasons. It’s a decision that’s got folks buzzing, especially since Tang’s tenure started with so much promise. Remember the 26-10 run in 2022-2023 that took K-State all the way to the Elite Eight? Yeah, that felt like the beginning of something big. But, as things unfolded — with dwindling performances, missing the tournament, and a rough 1-11 conference record this season — the optimism faded fast. This isn’t just another coaching change; it’s a major pivot for a program hungry to reclaim its glory. Curious about what led up to this surprising move and what lies ahead for the Wildcats? LEARN MORE
The college basketball world watched a respected basketball program make a big decision this weekend. With March Madness nearing, Kansas State University decided to make a surprising early decision.
On Sunday night, the school made the decision to let go of the men’s head basketball coach, Jerome Tang. Tang was in his fourth season as the lead man of the men’s basketball program.
Advertisement
MORE: Will College Basketball see a perfect season in 2026?
The tenure of Tang at KSU has ultimately been a disappointing one. It especially feels that way after a promising start to his time there.
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
In the 2022-2023 season, Tang led the Wildcats to a 26-10 record. They made the big tournament and surged all the way to the Elite Eight.
They lost to Florida Atlantic University by a thin margin of 79-76. The expectations were as high as ever. There were even chatters on whether they were ready to challenge in-state rival Kansas long-term.
MORE: Top 10 best championship games since 2000
Tang and the Wildcats never made it back to the tournament. They followed their incredible season with a 19-15 record, getting bounced out of the NIT, and then a losing season in the 2024-2025 season.
Feb 1, 2026; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang looks on during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images
They had an opportunity to get back on track this year under Tang. However, they currently sit at 10-15. What might be most damning is their 1-11 conference record.
Advertisement
What once started as a promising tenure comes to an early end.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
OLYMPICS: NFL legend Jason Kelce tackles popular 2026 Winter Olympics event
DAYTONA 500: 2026 Daytona 500 starting lineup & TV schedule
NFL: Tennessee Titans’ new logo leaked in Fanatics mishap?
NBA: Mac McClung shares 2026 NBA Slam Dunk arsenal fans were robbed of
GOLF: 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am tee times, Round 4 groupings for Sunday
VIRAL: 2026 Winter Olympics star compares muscles with NFL running back Saquon Barkley
The post Kansas State makes surprising early decision for men’s basketball program appeared first on The Big Lead.
CHECK OUT THE HOTTEST DEALS ON AMAZON!
2024 Panini Donruss Elite NFL Football Trading Cards Blaster Box
$48.98 (as of February 16, 2026 16:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2025 Panini Donruss Football Jumbo Value Pack
$14.99 (as of February 16, 2026 16:05 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2026 Topps Series 1 Baseball HOBBY box (20 pks/bx)
$179.99 (as of February 16, 2026 16:05 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2025 2026 Upper Deck M V P Hockey Series Unopened Blaster Box of 11 Packs with Chance for Rookies Plus #1 Draft Picks Cards and Blaster Exclusive Gold Scripts
$34.99 (as of February 16, 2026 16:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2026 Topps Baseball Series 1 Blaster Box of Packs with Possible Retail Exclusive Holo Foil Parallels and Blaster Exclusive Spring Training Variation Cards
$43.00 (as of February 16, 2026 16:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2024 Panini Score Football NFL Trading Card Jumbo Pack (Gold & Red Parallels)
$13.75 (as of February 16, 2026 16:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
PSA Football Graded Card Mystery Pack | PSA Graded Football Card + 1 Sealed Pack of Cards | Grade 8+ Guaranteed | Contains One Graded Vintage, Rookie, Legend or Current Star | by Zoo Packs
$39.95 (as of February 16, 2026 16:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2025 Panini Mosaic Football Flagship Collection Trading Card Box (1 Stained Glass Oversized Card Per Box)
$58.90 (as of February 16, 2026 16:05 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Seattle Seahawks 2025 Donruss Factory Sealed 14 Card Team Set Featuring Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith Njigba and Kenneth Walker with 5 Rated Rookie Cards Plus
$19.99 (as of February 16, 2026 16:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Post Comment