Kansas State Wildcats coach Jerome Tang is no longer with the program, as he was recently let go from his role. On Sunday, Feb. 15, officials from Kansas State University, including the school’s athletic director Gene Taylor, announced that Tang has been fired, effective immediately.
The decision stems from Tang’s viral rant at the press conference after the Wildcats’ 91-62 loss to coach Wes Miller and the Cincinnati Bearcats. Tang had called out his players for the lack of effort in the game, deeming it embarrassing and one that would merit them being undeserving to suit up for the program.
With this, let’s take a look seven top candidates to replace Tang at Kansas State.
Top 7 Coaching Candidates for Kansas State to Replace Jerome Tang With
#7 Chris Jans
Chris Jans is one of the few names in the SEC that the Kansas State Wildcats can look at as their next head coach, since it is known that Kansas State has more resources to snag a coach like Jans from the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
#6 Erik Pastrana
Currently an associate head coach for the Miami Hurricanes, Erik Pastrana is an alumnus of the Kansas State Wildcats program. Miami has been one of the most surprising teams in the league this year, with how they have played during conference play and the upset wins they have recorded. This gives Pastrana the chance to be the head coach at his alma mater.
#5 Josh Schertz
Saint Louis Billikens coach Josh Schertz is aware that his program is not the most well-known squad out there, but he has been changing the narrative this season. Schertz has turned Saint Louis into a well-oiled offensive machine, and he can impose that system right onto Kansas State.
#4 Jerrod Calhoun
Jerrod Calhoun is another hot name floating around that Kansas State may opt to pursue as its next main tactician. This is because he has led the Utah State Aggies to potential back-to-back national tournament appearances this year with how they have fared all throughout the current campaign.
#3 Eric Olen
Eric Olen has spearheaded the New Mexico Lobos this 2025-26 season to higher levels, as his current program is considered to be one of the most underrated in the nation. With him steering the Lobos to a successful run overall this year, Olen may seek the opportunity to coach for a team with more exposure, such as the Wildcats.
#2 Matthew Driscoll
One route that Kansas State can opt to take moving forward is to stick to what they already have by signing the current interim head coach, Matthew Driscoll, to an annual deal. Driscoll will have the opportunity to prove his worth with his time as the head for the time being and can build on Tang’s relatively successful culture.
#1 Brad Underwood
Perhaps the most prized name in the list is current Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood, given that in the past decade, he has established himself as one of the best coaches in all of the sport. While chances are slim for Underwood to let go of Illinois and head to Kansas State due to finances, Underwood is a former player for the Wildcats and may opt to give back by head-coaching the team.
Read More: What Caused Jerome Tang’s Firing? Kansas State AD Confirms Reasons After Fiery Rant
Also Read: After Throwing His Team Under the Bus, Jerome Tang Receives Serious Action by Kansas State
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