The collegiate basketball world has its focus squarely on the eyes of the Kansas State Wildcats, following the firing of head coach Jerome Tang. The Wildcats had compiled a 10-15 overall record and a 1-11 mark in Big 12 play so far this season
However, like many rulings in the NCAA, there is so much more than meets the eye.
Kansas State claimed they were firing Tang for cause after his comments following Kansas State’s 91-62 loss to Cincinnati earlier this month.
If the firing is found for cause, then Tang will not receive the $18.67 million buyout his contract demands.
However, Tang plans to fight the ruling. If the firing is found without cause, then Tang could expect a majority, if not all, of the aforementioned buyout.
“It really surprised me with the timing and everything. I've actually thought about this a lot, and I have a hard time coming up with a conclusion,” quoted head coach Bill Self in his weekly press conference prior to Wednesday’s clash against Oklahoma State.
“Because we don't really know everything that's going on, and we try to make determinations from the cheap seats based on what other people say or other people write. I'll be honest, I like Jerome.”
Tang squared off against the Jayhawks seven times and finished with a 3-4 record, with all three wins coming from a combined 14 points. However, when the Wildcats did lose the it was by a combined 68 points.
“I hate to see when any coach gets let go. But I also know that it's big money, and it's big business, and people make decisions based on what is in the best interest of their employer.”
Tang managed a 71-57 overall record, including a stellar 2022-23 season where the Kansas State marked a 26-10 record, reaching as high as the No. 5 team in the country.
However, Tang could never repeat the lofty expectations he once set as the former Baylor associate head coach did not reach 20 wins over his next two full seasons.
Taking over for the rest of the season for K-State is associate head coach Matthew Driscoll. Driscoll is in his first season with the Wildcats after a 16-year stint with the University of North Florida. Driscoll led the Ospreys to three NCAA Tournament appearances and sits as the winningest coach in North Florida history.
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