The Tang Fallout: Press Conference Reactions and Potential Successors
John Kurtz, DY, and Cole Manbeck weigh in on the firing of Jerome Tang for cause and analyze the top candidates to lead the next era of K-State basketball.
The Kansas State basketball program is at a crossroads following the high-profile firing of head coach Jerome Tang. On this episode of 3MAW, the crew analyzes the fallout from Athletics Director Gene Taylor’s recent press conference.
While Taylor remained tight-lipped due to potential legal proceedings, the guys discussed the optics of the situation and the university’s strategy of firing “for cause” to avoid a nearly $19 million buyout. Despite the national media’s scrutiny of the move, the consensus remains that K-State is a top-tier “high major” job with elite NIL support and a proven history of success, having seen its last three coaches reach the Regional Finals.
The discussion then shifts to the coaching search, with Cole Manbeck providing deep-dive data on several frontrunners. Jared Calhoun of Utah State emerged as a leader in the clubhouse due to his offensive efficiency and ties to Bob Huggins. Other notable names include Allen Huss (Creighton associate head coach), whose success at High Point and proficiency in the modern NIL/analytics landscape make him a compelling “head coach in waiting” target.
From Josh Schertz’s high-demand profile to Eric Olen’s success at New Mexico, the crew explores a diverse candidate pool, confident that K-State’s resources will attract a proven winner regardless of the current administrative turmoil.