5 Coaches to Replace Jerome Tang as Kansas State Wildcats Head Coach When He Steps Down After Next Season
In a stunning announcement that rippled through the college basketball world, Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang revealed he will step down after the upcoming 2025–26 season, citing a desire to pursue philanthropic ventures and spend more time with family. Tang, who revitalized the Wildcats program after arriving from Baylor in 2022, leaves behind a legacy of culture-building, tournament runs, and fierce Big 12 competitiveness. As Kansas State turns the page, the search for his successor has already sparked speculation. Here are five potential candidates—each with unique strengths—that could take the helm in Manhattan.
1. Ryan Petrie – Head Coach, Drake Bulldogs
Petrie has emerged as a mid-major coaching star, leading Drake to consecutive Missouri Valley titles and back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. Known for his dynamic offensive schemes and ability to develop under-the-radar talent, Petrie would bring an energetic, modern approach to the Wildcats. His teams play fast, shoot the three well, and defend aggressively—hallmarks of Tang’s system, making the transition smoother.
2. Alvin Brooks III – Assistant Coach, Baylor
A former protégé of Jerome Tang, Brooks III has been a key figure in Baylor’s sustained success. His deep ties to the Texas recruiting scene and intimate knowledge of the Big 12 landscape make him a strategic fit. While he has yet to lead a program, Brooks is highly respected for his basketball IQ and culture-first mentality—two qualities that align perfectly with Kansas State’s values.
3. Nico Medved – Head Coach, Colorado State
Medved is one of the most fundamentally sound coaches in the nation. He’s built Colorado State into a perennial Mountain West contender through a combination of player development and smart in-game tactics. His teams play with precision, patience, and mental toughness. If Kansas State seeks a steady, cerebral leader with a proven track record, Medved rises to the top of the list.
4. Brad Underwood – Head Coach, Illinois
A Manhattan native and former K-State player, Brad Underwood’s name always surfaces in connection with the Wildcats. While he’s currently entrenched at Illinois, the lure of coming home to rebuild his alma mater in the post-Tang era could prove irresistible. Underwood brings Power 5 pedigree, recruiting muscle, and emotional connection to the purple and white faithful—a combination that would electrify the fan base.
5. Johnnie Bryant – Associate Head Coach, New York Knicks
If Kansas State wants to make a bold move, Bryant represents a high-upside gamble. Though he lacks head coaching experience, his NBA pedigree and player development acumen—having mentored stars like Donovan Mitchell—could energize the program. He’s young, savvy, and well-connected, with the potential to elevate K-State’s national profile.
As the Jerome Tang era winds down, Kansas State faces a defining choice. Will they go with a familiar face steeped in Big 12 tradition or a rising innovator ready to disrupt the landscape? Whoever lands the job will have big shoes to fill—but also a strong foundation from which to build the next chapter of Wildcats basketball.
