Kansas State and former men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang are reportedly nearing a resolution to their messy separation. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Kansas State and Tang are finalizing a settlement that will pay the former Wildcats head coach $12 million through the end of 2027. Tang had approximately $18.7 million remaining on his contract when Kansas State fired him for cause in February.
The settlement would bring an end to a dispute that has lingered for more than seven months.
Jerome Tang’s K-State Tenure
Kansas State attempted to fire Tang for cause following a disastrous stretch that included a 91-62 home loss to Cincinnati. After that game, Tang publicly ripped his team, saying the performance was “embarrassing” and questioning whether several players deserved to wear the Kansas State uniform.
Athletic director Gene Taylor later cited Tang’s public comments and conduct, along with the overall direction of the program, when announcing the coaching change. Kansas State’s for-cause designation meant the school was attempting to avoid paying the massive buyout remaining on Tang’s deal.
Tang strongly disputed Kansas State’s characterization of his dismissal and hired attorneys, although he never ultimately filed a lawsuit against the university.
Now, the two sides appear to have found a middle ground.
The reported $12 million settlement would save Kansas State roughly $6.7 million compared to Tang’s original $18.7 million buyout, while still resulting in a substantial payment to its former coach.
Tang went 71-57 during his four seasons at Kansas State, highlighted by an Elite Eight appearance during his first season in Manhattan. He has since returned to Baylor, where he is serving as associate head coach under Scott Drew.
Kansas State hired former Belmont head coach Casey Alexander to replace Tang in March.
