Kansas State and men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang have agreed to a contract extension through the 2029-30 season. Tang, who led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight in his first year as head coach, will make $3 million in the 2023-24 season and receive a $100,000 increase in salary each remaining year of the contract. He will earn a base salary of $3.6 million in 2029-30.
Impressive First Year
Tang’s first year as head coach far surpassed expectations. He not only led the team to the Elite Eight but also proved his ability to recruit top talent. With a top 25 recruiting class and a strong transfer class, including standout players Tylor Perry and Arthur Kaluma, Tang has built a team that looks poised for another successful season and a potential NCAA Tournament appearance.
Tang quickly won over the fanbase with his coaching acumen and leadership skills. The Kansas State administration’s decision to extend his contract is widely applauded in Manhattan.
Future Prospects
If Tang continues to excel as a coach, he will undoubtedly become a hot name in the coaching carousel in the coming years. To ensure their continued partnership, K-State has included a substantial buyout clause in Tang’s contract. The buyout starts at $6 million if he leaves before April 30, 2024, and decreases by $1 million each subsequent year. This demonstrates the mutual commitment between Tang and the university.
Backstory
Before joining Kansas State, Tang served as an assistant coach at Baylor from 2003 to 2022. During his tenure, Baylor won the national championship in 2021. Tang’s experience and success at Baylor undoubtedly contributed to his ability to lead Kansas State to the Elite Eight in his first year.
Impressive Season
In his debut season with the Wildcats, Tang guided the team to a 26-10 record. They secured victories against Montana State, Kentucky, and Michigan State to reach the program’s first Elite Eight since 2018. Unfortunately, Kansas State lost to FAU in the Elite Eight, but the team’s performance under Tang’s leadership was remarkable.
Praise for Tang
Kansas State Director of Athletics Gene Taylor commended Tang and his coaching staff for their phenomenal first year. He highlighted Tang’s love for his players and his ability to build strong relationships with everyone he encounters. Taylor expressed his excitement about the contract extension and the future of Kansas State basketball under Tang’s leadership.
Tang himself expressed gratitude for his coaching staff and players. He acknowledged the hard work and commitment of both past and present players and thanked their families for their support. Tang emphasized the importance of building a strong team on and off the court and expressed his honor to work with such incredible individuals every day.
Conclusion
Jerome Tang’s contract extension with Kansas State is well-deserved. His exceptional first year as head coach, which included a trip to the Elite Eight, showcased his coaching abilities and recruiting prowess. With a strong roster and a committed coaching staff, Tang has positioned Kansas State for continued success in the coming seasons. The university’s decision to include a substantial buyout clause demonstrates their confidence in Tang’s ability to lead the program. Kansas State fans can look forward to an exciting future under Tang’s guidance.