Kansas State is turning a new page with Casey Alexander stepping in as the 27th head coach, closing the Jerome Tang era. As Wildcats fans watch the NCAA Tournament unfold, they're catching a glimpse of what might have been with Utah State’s Jerrod Calhoun making waves.
Calhoun, once in the running for Kansas State’s head coaching position, has led Utah State to the second round of March Madness. He was among three key candidates for the Wildcats' job, alongside Casey Alexander and Saint Louis head coach Josh Schertz.
While Alexander is just beginning his journey with Kansas State, Schertz and Calhoun are both making headlines by advancing to the round of 32, sparking some “what if” discussions among fans.
Schertz ultimately turned down the Wildcats’ offer, paving the way for Alexander to take charge. This decision adds an intriguing layer to the narrative as fans ponder the program's future.
Both Schertz and Calhoun entered the tournament as 9-seeds and pulled off impressive upsets over Power Five schools. Saint Louis dominated Georgia 102-77, while Utah State staged a thrilling 14-1 run to defeat Villanova.
These performances from mid-major teams are hard to ignore, especially when both coaches were considered for Kansas State’s top job. It highlights the unpredictable magic of March Madness, where upsets and Cinderella stories capture our imagination.
The coaching market’s competitiveness is also on display. A single decision or a declined offer can shift the landscape, fueling the “what might have been” conversations.
As the offseason unfolds, Calhoun could become a sought-after candidate for other Big 12 coaching roles, with openings at Cincinnati and Arizona State. If he lands one of these positions, it could set the stage for a future showdown with Alexander and the Wildcats.
For now, it’s all about waiting to see how these coaching decisions play out. Wildcats fans are left to wonder if they made the right choice, but only time will tell.