MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State fired basketball coach Jerome Tang on Sunday night, four days after many Wildcats fans attended a home game wearing bags on their heads.
Athletic director Gene Taylor announced the move in a statement.
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“This is a decision made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program,” 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.”
The school said an interim head coach will be announced soon and a national search for a replacement has begun.
Many fans put bags over their heads in disgust during Wednesday night’s 91-62 home loss to Cincinnati.
“It was embarrassing,” Don said after the game. “These guys don’t deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them next year. I’m embarrassed for the university, I’m embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It’s ridiculous. We have practice tomorrow morning at 6 o’clock and we’re going to get this right. I have no answers and no words.”
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Kansas State (10-15, 1-11 Big 12) lost 78-64 to No. 3 Houston on Saturday, the Wildcats’ sixth straight loss. Tang, 59, has an overall record of 71-57 and a league record of 29-39 in his four seasons at the school. He led the Wildcats to a 26-10 record in his first season.
The Wildcats’ next game is Tuesday night at home against Baylor University, where Don spent 19 seasons as an assistant under Scott Drew, including the Bears’ 2021 national championship.
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