After The Sporting News initially reported that Jerome Town had been fired, Kansas State MBB, the favorite to coach the No. 1 team in the Big Ten, was unable to target. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
Coach Jerome Tang’s relationship with the Kansas State Wildcats is over as the school announced Sunday night that the two have parted ways, even though only six regular-season games remain before the conference tournament kicks off March 10 in Kansas City.
advertise
Both the school and Tang issued statements on the matter. Wildcat brass intends to fire Don “for cause” rather than honor his $18.7 million buyout, although on-field performance this season could be another legitimate reason. The Wildcats (10-15, 1-11 Big 12) have failed to reach the NCAA tournament in all but one season starting in 2022 under Don.
Under Don, the Wildcats advanced to the Elite Eight in 2023 but never improved the following season.
Now the program is looking for a clean state.
more: Is this freshman class the greatest in college basketball history? Depends on how you keep score
advertise
“This is a decision made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program,” AD Gene Taylor said. “In addition to the overall direction of the program, recent public comments and actions are inconsistent with Kansas State University’s standards of supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Don and his family the best.”
However, Tang personally has different views on this change.
“I am deeply disappointed with the school’s decision and strongly disagree with the decision to terminate me,” Tang said. “I have always acted impartially and faithfully performed my duties as a head coach.”
Don added that he was grateful for those closest to him, but didn’t have many kind words to say about the Wildcats as he left.
advertise
“I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the opportunity to serve as the head coach at Kansas State University,” Don added. “This is one of the greatest 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 believe that I always acted in the best interest of the university and our student-athletes.”
As for who could replace Tang, domestic insiders have suggested a few options. But Illinois coach Brad Underwood, in particular, is a name that pops up almost every year in a hypothetical coaching cycle as his team’s level of success continues to rise.
Although Underwood has ties to the Big 12 during his time as coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys (2016-2017) and during his playing and coaching career from 1984-2012, which included stops at Western Illinois, South Carolina (associate head coach) and Stephen F. Austin, a reunion in Manhattan is unlikely.
More: Big Ten rankings: Michigan State, Nebraska, Illinois, Michigan State, Purdue in AP poll
advertise
Under the terms of Underwood’s current contract with Illinois (he’s held the position since before the 2017 season), he couldn’t jump ship even if he wanted to.
In a tweet responding to Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68, Jeremy Werner of the Illini Enquirer clarified this.
“1) He has a non-compete clause with all of college basketball. He can’t leave. 2) #illini is a top Big Ten program. Why would he leave?” Werner tweeted.
Warner’s second point is an opinion, not a verifiable fact, but he has a point. Illinois reaches the Elite Eight in 2024, following its second Big Ten tournament title of Underwood’s tenure three years ago. But unlike the 2021 season, 2024 is the furthest Illinois has advanced in the tournament since 2004-2005, when Illinois lost to North Carolina in the national title game.
advertise
So, in short, Underwood isn’t leaving Champaign anytime soon and has 103 Big Ten wins in nearly 10 years.
There is more work to be done.
