Jerome Tang is out at Kansas State. A moment many fans have waited for since the middle of last season has now finally come to fruition.
So you know that social media was going to be set in flames at the news, just days after his viral press conference calling out his players.
"Jerome Tang generational fumble," one user tweeted. "He just needed to knee it and run the clock out. He was going to be fired soon, all he had to do was not say something stupid. Hilarious."
Even prior to his infamous Cincinnati postgame comments, Tang's track record spoke for itself. The four-year Wildcats coach hadn't made the postseason since his first season, despite an increase in talent and spending money on outside players. He continuously switched his roster from season to season, leaving no time for cohesion or continuity. He went 18-32 in the Big 12 over the past three seasons, including 1-11 this year. The Wildcats are the worst team in the conference outside Utah this year, even though they were projected to be as high as the top five.
It was likely that he would be gone after this season, but his public comments were the nail in the coffin. Athletic director Gene Taylor said Tang was dismissed for cause after declaring the players "don't deserve" to stay at the institution.
"This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program," Taylor said in his Sunday night conference. "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. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward."
But even amid the rampant criticism, some showed love to Tang on his way out. His first season with the team brought promise to the organization with an Elite Eight run, even if that hype simmered in the following seasons.
Regardless, Tang is likely to pursue legal action against the institution, given that more than $18 million remains under his contract.
"I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination," Tang said in his exit statement. "I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach. I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the opportunity to serve as Head Coach at Kansas State.