Coach Jerome Tang Announces He Will Step Down as K-State Wildcats Head Coach After Next Season
In a stunning yet heartfelt announcement on Wednesday, Kansas State men’s basketball head coach Jerome Tang confirmed that he will be stepping down at the end of the upcoming 2025–26 season. The decision, Tang explained in a statement released by the university, is rooted not in controversy or failure, but in deeply personal reasons tied to faith, family, and legacy.
“For me, coaching has never just been about wins and losses,” Tang wrote. “It’s about shaping young men, honoring my calling, and being where I am most needed. After prayer, reflection, and long talks with my wife and family, I’ve decided this next season will be my final one as head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats.”
Tang’s decision sent shockwaves throughout the college basketball world. Hired in 2022 after a two-decade tenure as an assistant at Baylor, Tang quickly revitalized the K-State program. In his debut season, he led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight, reigniting the energy and tradition of Wildcat basketball. Under his leadership, K-State became known not just for gritty, high-effort play, but for a culture of joy, discipline, and personal growth. Players described him as “a father figure,” “a life coach,” and “someone who truly lives what he preaches.”
Tang cited his growing desire to focus on mentorship and ministry as primary reasons for his departure. “Coaching on the court is just one way I’ve served,” he said. “But God’s pulling me toward a broader purpose — reaching more people, more communities, and especially young men who don’t always have the structure and support they need.”
He will reportedly remain involved in basketball and education, potentially launching a national leadership program for high school athletes centered on faith, character, and service. While he emphasized that his heart will always be with the Wildcats, Tang made clear that “now is the season to plant new seeds.”
Kansas State Athletic Director Gene Taylor responded to the announcement with emotion and gratitude. “Coach Tang has transformed our program, our campus, and our community,” Taylor said. “He walks the talk every single day. While we’ll miss him on the sidelines, we support him fully and look forward to celebrating his final season.”
Players were informed in a closed-door meeting before the news was made public. According to sources in the room, there were tears, applause, and a shared determination to “make this last run unforgettable.”
Tang, 58, ended his statement with a characteristic blend of humility and purpose. “I don’t know what every day will look like after next March,” he said, “but I know who I’ll be walking with. My family, my faith, and the lessons I’ve learned here at K-State — those will carry me forward.”
As the Wildcats prepare for one final campaign under their beloved coach, fans can expect more than just basketball. They can expect a season filled with passion, conviction, and the pursuit of something greater than the scoreboard.
