Kansas State Fires Head Coach, Jerome Tang, After Rocky Season

Jerome Tang coaching from sideline in Bramlage Coliseum. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

MANHATTAN, Kansas. — On Sunday, Kansas State fired former March Madness phenom Jerome Tang. According to a press release from Kansas State Athletics Director Gene Taylor,

"The school is parting ways with men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang. This decision is effective immediately. An interim head coach will be announced in the near future. "

First reported by Pete Nakos and Joe Tipton of On3 Sports, Tang has had a tumultuous season riddled with controversy and fan outrage. According to The Mercury, “K-State said the firing was ‘for cause,’ claiming that Tang had violated the terms of his employment contract by publicly criticizing his players for lackluster effort in a home loss to Cincinnati.”

K-State's Student Section wears Aldis bags over their heads. Courtesy: Paige Mueller

The Wildcat fandom has had a severe reaction to a disappointing season by wearing Aldi bags on their heads in the student section. The nationally recognized “bag game” for Kansas State was the 91-62 Cincinnati loss in Bramlage Colosseum. The night was capped off with now-former head coach Jerome Tang publicly stating, "This was embarrassing. These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year. I'm embarrassed for the university. I'm embarrassed for our fans and our student section. It is just ridiculous." The following week, Jerome Tang removed players' names from their jerseys before the Houston game, as confirmed by player Nate Johnson. 

In the press release from Kansas State, Gene Taylor says, "Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program's overall direction, have not aligned with K-State's standards for supporting student athletes and representing the university."

If Jerome Tang was fired “for cause,” then this would allow them to bypass an 18.7-million-dollar buyout that would be paid if the firing were based solely on record.

Wildcat 91.9 will continue to update this story as it develops.