Jerome Tang and Kansas State have parted ways.
The Wildcats' 1-11 Big 12 start, coupled with Tang's strong public words earlier this week, has ultimately led to the four-year coach being relieved of his duties. Tang released a statement after the program fired him Sunday night:
"I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination. 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. It has been one of the great honors of my life. I am grateful to the players, staff, and fans who make this program so special. I remain proud of what we built together and confident that I have always acted in the best interests of the university and our student-athletes," Tang said.
Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor said Tang was "terminated for cause," likely due to his viral video criticizing the players after the Cincinnati disaster.
"This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program," Taylor said in a press 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."
Tang's unraveling during postgame press conferences revealed locker-room tension and poor responses to devastating losses. Tang pointed fingers at the media after the Iowa State defeat, failing to address the 34-point loss that transpired. He followed up with a baffling press conference in which he scrutinized several active roster members, declaring that they would "not play" for the program next season.
Pair this with a descending conference record each season, and you have a recipe for disaster. The talent gradually improved, the team became more expensive, yet the product got worse. The team will miss the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year, despite being hyped as a potential conference contender in the preseason.
With Tang out, associate coach Matthew Driscoll will serve as the interim head coach for the season's remainder. A chaotic season gets even shakier, but maybe the program can now at least get a breath of fresh air. The Wildcats host Baylor (13-12, 3-9 in Big 12) on Tuesday night.