Jerome Tang Settlement
Kansas State and Jerome Tang Agree to $12 Million Settlement Following Firing
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Key Points
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A large group of Kansas State students signaled their frustration with Tang’s final season by attending games wearing paper bags over their heads.
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Tang’s contract included a provision under which his earnings at Baylor would have reduced Kansas State’s buyout obligation if he had been fired for cause.
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In responding to his firing, Tang said he had “always acted with integrity” and in the best interests of Kansas State and its student-athletes.
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Tang spent 2003–22 on Baylor’s coaching staff and helped the Bears win the 2020–21 national championship before returning there as associate head coach.
Kansas State and former men's basketball coach Jerome Tang have agreed to a $12 million settlement, resolving their dispute over his firing in February Clutchpoints. The deal, payable through the end of 2027, saves the university nearly $7 million compared to paying Tang's full remaining contract of $18.7 million through the 2030–31 season Kansas.com.
Tang was dismissed for cause after he criticized players following a lopsided loss to Cincinnati. Tang disputed the university's rationale but did not file a lawsuit Heartland College Sports. He finished 73–57 in four seasons, reaching the Elite Eight in year one but missing the NCAA Tournament thereafter.
A Rough Final Season Sparked the Firing
Tang's fourth season at Kansas State was a disaster. The team struggled badly, losing games by wide margins. Student frustration reached a peak when large groups wore paper bags over their heads to games Kansas City. The university cited cause after Tang's postgame criticism of his players, claiming his conduct violated his agreement.
Tang pushed back on the firing, saying he had "always acted with integrity" and in the best interests of Kansas State Worldnews. He hired lawyers to fight the decision but chose not to file a lawsuit, instead negotiating a settlement with the school.
Tang's Contract Had Built-In Protections
Tang's deal included a unique clause: if he was fired for cause and got another job, his new earnings would reduce Kansas State's buyout obligation Kansas.com. This provision gave Tang financial incentive to land work quickly. He did, joining Baylor as associate head coach, a role he held before returning to college coaching.
From Elite Eight to NCAA Tournament Drought
Tang arrived at Kansas State with high expectations and delivered immediately. His first team reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, a strong start Clutchpoints. But the program failed to return to March Madness in his final three seasons, a sharp decline that cost him his job.
Tang's departure marks a full circle return to Baylor, where he spent 19 years as an assistant coach from 2003 to 2022. With the Bears, he helped win the 2020–21 national championship before taking the Kansas State job Heartland College Sports. Kansas State has hired Casey Alexander as his replacement.
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