Kansas State has officially parted ways with head coach Jerome Tang, and with that, the Wildcats are staring down one of the more intriguing coaching searches in recent memory. This is a program with tradition, a passionate fanbase, and a clear desire to get back to relevance in a loaded Big 12. Now comes the million-or multi-million-dollar question: who’s next?
One name that’s quickly shot to the top of the rumor mill is Brad Underwood, the current head coach at Illinois and a Kansas State alum. On the surface, it’s easy to see why fans are buzzing.
Underwood played in Manhattan, knows the culture, and has built a tough, winning program in the Big Ten. He’s got the résumé, the ties, and the track record that would make him an instant stabilizing force for the Wildcats.
But while the emotional connection is strong, the logistical side is a lot more complicated.
The Buyout Math
Let’s start with the numbers-because they matter. Underwood’s buyout at Illinois is reportedly around $15.3 million if he were to leave for Kansas State.
That’s not chump change. And if he were to jump to another Big Ten school?
That figure reportedly doubles. So we’re talking about a serious financial commitment just to get him in the door.
And that’s only half the equation.
Kansas State still has to settle up with Tang, and that could be a significant piece of the puzzle. Depending on the outcome of the “for cause” designation tied to his dismissal, the school could owe anywhere from nothing to as much as $18.7 million. Even if that number is reduced through negotiation or legal maneuvering, it still represents a major financial hurdle.
Stacking two hefty buyouts-Tang’s potential payout and Underwood’s buyout from Illinois-isn’t something athletic departments typically do unless they’re convinced the hire is transformational. That’s not to say Underwood isn’t a big-time coach.
He absolutely is. But Illinois is a stable program, he’s well-compensated, and he’s consistently competing at a high level.
There’s no glaring reason for him to leave, even for a return to his alma mater.
What’s Next for the Wildcats?
So where does that leave Kansas State? Realistically, the more likely path is toward a rising star from the mid-major ranks-someone who’s hungry, ascending, and ready to take on the challenge of leading a Big 12 program. That’s a more financially feasible route and one that many schools in similar situations have taken with success.
That doesn’t mean the Underwood talk will die down anytime soon. It’s the kind of storyline that fuels message boards and talk radio segments.
A beloved former player returning home to revive the program-it’s the stuff of college basketball dreams. But dreams and budgets don’t always align.
At the end of the day, Kansas State has a big decision to make. This is a pivotal moment for the program, and while big names like Underwood will grab headlines, the ultimate hire may come from a different lane. One thing is clear: the Wildcats are ready to turn the page, and all eyes are on what comes next.