The Kansas State men’s basketball program is in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after a lopsided home defeat that once again underscored the Wildcats’ struggles this season.
A growing wave of frustration among the fanbase — especially students — has now turned into public protest and calls for head coach Jerome Tang’s firing.
📉 Wildcat Frustration Boils Over
Following a 91–62 loss to Cincinnati at Bramlage Coliseum, which dropped Kansas State to a dismal 1–10 in Big 12 play, a group of students staged a symbolic protest by placing brown paper bags over their heads in the student section.
The message was clear: they want Tang out and even referenced the approximately $18.5 million buyout it would take to remove him from his contract.
🔥 Tang’s Candid, Heated Reaction
Coach Tang didn’t hold back in his postgame remarks, acknowledging the embarrassment of the defeat and openly criticizing his own players’ effort and pride.
In a brief but intense interview, he said “This was embarrassing” and questioned whether many on the team deserved to wear the Kansas State uniform.
He also expressed his frustration on behalf of the university, fans, and student supporters.
Tang didn’t offer many answers but vowed to address the issues in practice and hinted that only “very few” of the current roster might return next season.
His blunt tone — unusual in its severity — reflects the mounting pressure on a program that once seemed headed for sustained success.
🧨 A Troubled Season and Mounting Pressure
This season has been a stark decline for Kansas State under Tang. After leading the Wildcats to an NCAA tournament appearance and a top‑5 national ranking early in his tenure, the program has faded significantly, missing postseason play and recording consecutive losing seasons.
With several tough games still on the schedule, including matchups against ranked teams, Kansas State appears poised to miss the NCAA tournament again — deepening the frustration among supporters.
💰 The Buyout Reality
Calls for firing Tang are complicated by his hefty contract buyout, which would set a new record in college basketball and make a coaching change financially difficult for the university.
As a result, even as student protests gain attention, Tang is likely to remain in Manhattan for at least another season.
