Well, it looks like Kansas State has its next man in charge. After nearly a month searching for someone to replace Jerome Tang, the Wildcats are reportedly ushering in Belmont coach Casey Alexander.
"Kansas State has zeroed in on Belmont's Casey Alexander to be its next head basketball coach," CBB insider Jon Rothstein tweeted on Thursday evening. "Nothing is done, but the two sides are now working through a deal that will make Alexander the Wildcats' next head coach."
Alexander owns a 303-180 head coaching record, including 166-60 over seven seasons at Belmont. He's manned the fort well in Belmont, placing in the top four in the conference every season. Consistency in the mid-majors and a few Tournament appearances in his coaching career are likely what caught athletic director Gene Taylor's eye.
Alexander will take over a team that just had the worst season in the Big 12 of any team not named Utah. A miserable season to say the least, which quickly went from Tournament expectations to conference basement dwellers. The peak was former coach Tang going on a scathing rant publicly criticizing his players after weeks of praising them amid blowout losses.
A rocky situation can hopefully be reversed with a change at the top.
USA TODAY PEGS KANSAS STATE AS A TOP DESTINATION FOR COACHES
Kansas State's tumultuous season may have some looking at the program sideways.
One news outlet claims it's the best place to work among teams looking for new head coaches. USA Today believes the Wildcats' head position is the cream of the crop across the country.
"The Wildcats do have their own pedigree that makes it desirable," the article wrote. "The Wildcats have shown money isn't an issue, whether it's spending on the staff or roster. Being in the upper half of available resources will be attractive to candidates."
Jerome Tang was fired from the institution last month after a 1-11 start in conference play and a viral, seething rant calling out his players. Matthew Driscoll has taken over as the interim option but will not be there long-term.
"There's enough history to show it won't be impossible to succeed in Manhattan," the article wrote. "Jerome Tang took Kansas State to the Elite Eight just three years ago, and the past three coaches have reached that stage of March Madness at least once. The only downside is there's the immediate expectation to contend in a crowded Big 12, but everything is available to do it."
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