Kansas State basketball player Jerome Tan fired
Kansas State University has reportedly fired Jerome Tan as head coach. Beat reporter Wyatt Wheeler reacted to the breaking news.
Jerome Tan resigns as Kansas State basketball coach.
The school announced the layoffs on Sunday night, February 15th.
“This was a decision made in the best interest of the university and the men’s basketball program,” K-State athletic director Gene Taylor said. “Recent public comments and actions, along with the overall direction of the program, are not consistent with K-State’s standards of supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tan and his family the best in their future endeavors.”
At a press conference Sunday night, Taylor said Tan was “terminated for cause.”
The Wildcats are 10-15 this season and 1-11 in Big 12 play, one year after finishing with a 16-17 record in 2024-25 and 19-15 in 2023-24.
The decision came days after Tan’s scorched-earth press conference following Kansas State’s 91-62 home loss to Cincinnati on Feb. 11. There, Wildcats fans wore paper bags over their heads. Mr Tan said the players were not eligible to wear their school uniforms after their performance.
Kansas State lost 78-64 to Houston on February 14, a game in which players had their names removed from their jerseys in preparation for the game.
What did Jerome Tan say to get fired?
“This was embarrassing,” Tan said after the loss in Cincinnati. “These players don’t deserve to wear this uniform, and very few players will wear this uniform next year. It’s embarrassing for the university, it’s embarrassing for the fans, it’s embarrassing for the student body. It’s just ridiculous.”
“We have practice at 6 a.m. tomorrow. I don’t have any answers or words. You guys have two questions, so I’ll do my best to answer those two questions right now. But right now, I’m pissed.”
“These guys need some pride, dude. Wearing a K-State uniform means something. Wearing this purple means something. That’s what our university is all about, and that’s why I love this place, dude. They don’t deserve to be here because they don’t love this place.”
Kansas AD Gene Taylor’s Remarks on Jerome Tan’s Firing
“What he said about student-athletes was really concerning,” Taylor said at Sunday’s press conference announcing the firing.
“There is language in his contract that refers to certain matters that may cause embarrassment,” Taylor added. “Essentially, given his comments regarding student-athletes and the negative response to those comments from numerous sources both nationally and locally, we thought we needed to make a decision.”
As of Sunday night, the school is live streaming Tan’s postgame press conference against Cincinnati on its YouTube page.
Acquisition and contract of Jerome Tan
Tan’s buyout is set at $18.675 million, according to USA TODAY Sports’ head coach salary database.
K-State’s athletic director said Tan was fired for “just cause,” which would affect the terms of the buyout.
Mr Tan had five years left on his contract.
What did Jerome Tan say about being fired by Kansas State?
In a statement to ESPN, the former Kansas State coach said:
“I am extremely disappointed in 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 the head coach of Kansas State University. This has been one of the great honors of my life.”
“I would like to thank the players, staff, and fans who make this program special. We are proud of what we have built together and are confident that we have always acted in the best interest of the university and our student-athletes.”
How could Kansas State fire Jerome Tan for cause?
Kansas State can waive Tan for the following reasons:
- *** Material breach of contract, willful negligence, or other failure or refusal to perform duties and responsibilities as head coach.
- rebellion; offensive behavior
- Failure to report any violations of NCAA rules;
- Fraud or misconduct related to NCAA filings;
- Significant or multiple violations of rules involving himself, his assistants, or staff members.
- Failure to respond accurately and completely within a reasonable time regarding the coach’s obligations to the athletic director;
- Directing a coach, student, or other person to respond in an inaccurate, inappropriate, or incompetent manner, or withholding or concealing evidence regarding problems with a student or athletic program.
- Failure to obtain necessary approvals for outside activities
*** — Among the notable duties listed in Tan’s contract is to act in a manner consistent with being a head coach. According to the report, Mr. Tan shall not engage in any conduct, action or activity that exposes himself, Kansas State Athletics, or the University to public disrepute, embarrassment, ridicule, or scandal, and that such conduct reflects unfavorably on K-State Athletics.
What’s next for Kansas State?
Tan, a former longtime Baylor assistant, led Kansas State to the Elite Eight in 2022-23, the program’s first year, but lost to eventual national runner-up Florida Atlantic. After reaching impressive heights as a first-year head coach, his fall from grace was swift.
Kansas State has appeared in the Elite Eight three times since 2010 under three different coaches: Tann (2023), Bruce Weber (2018) and Frank Martin (2010). The school has produced many high-level coaches over the years, including Lon Kruger, Dana Altman, and Bob Huggins.
Taylor said associate head coach Matthew Driscoll will serve as interim head coach as K-State begins the search for Tan’s replacement.
