Kansas State and former men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang have settled a $12 million dispute over his for-cause firing in February, according to ESPN. The settlement closes months of uncertainty over whether Tang was owed the full value of his remaining contract and represents a middle ground between Kansas State’s position and Tang’s claim to the full amount.
Kansas State fired Tang in February with $18.7 million remaining on his deal. Athletic director Gene Taylor classified the dismissal “for cause,” a designation that would have let the school avoid paying out the rest of the contract. Had he been fired without cause, Tang would have been owed the full amount; the $12 million settlement represents a compromise, according to ESPN.
What Happened With Jerome Tang?
Taylor pointed to postgame comments Tang made after a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati, Kansas State’s 10th defeat in 11 games during a 10-15 start to his fourth season, as grounds for the for-cause firing. Tang delivered an inspired rant after the game, saying, “These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year.
Like, I am embarrassed for the university. I am embarrassed for our fans, our student section. You know, it is just ridiculous.”
The for-cause classification carried financial stakes beyond the postgame remarks. Under the terms of his contract, Tang’s earnings at a new job would have offset, or mitigated, what Kansas State owed him had he been fired with cause, according to ESPN. Tang never filed a formal wrongful termination lawsuit, but the dispute lingered for months before the sides reached the settlement.
Response
Tang pushed back on the university’s reasoning immediately after his firing. “I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination,” he said. “I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach. … 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.”
Kansas State drew criticism across college basketball for what was widely viewed as flimsy legal reasoning in an attempt to save money while parting ways with an underperforming coach, according to ESPN.
Financial And Program Fallout
Tang went 73-57 in his time at Kansas State. He took the Wildcats to the Elite Eight in his first season in 2023, but they missed the NCAA Tournament in each of the following two seasons. He has since returned to Baylor as associate head coach, joining the Bears’ staff in 2003 and being promoted to that role in 2017. He was part of Scott Drew’s staff when Baylor won the 2020-21 national championship.
The $12 million figure represents a middle ground between Kansas State’s attempt to pay nothing further on the contract and the full amount Tang argued he was due.
What’s Next
The two programs will cross paths on the court this season. Baylor hosts Kansas State on Jan. 2, though the Bears are not scheduled to travel to Manhattan.
Reporting from Miamiherald and 247Sports contributed to this story.
