Kansas State is back in the market for a new men’s basketball coach-sooner than just about anyone expected.
Jerome Tang, who led the Wildcats to an Elite Eight appearance only three seasons ago, has been fired “for cause” with six games still left on the schedule. That’s a dramatic turn for a coach who was being publicly praised by athletic director Gene Taylor as recently as two months ago. But with a tough season unraveling fast, Taylor made the move and now turns his attention to the next chapter in Manhattan.
Taylor has said he’s placing a premium on head coaching experience this time around. That narrows the field a bit, but there are still several intriguing names who could be in play. Let’s take a closer look at some potential candidates who could be on Kansas State’s radar.
Brad Underwood (Illinois)
Let’s start with the name that’s bound to get the fanbase buzzing: Brad Underwood. A former K-State player and assistant, Underwood has deep ties to the program. But landing him might be more dream scenario than realistic target.
Underwood has built a powerhouse at Illinois, guiding the Illini to five straight NCAA Tournament appearances and positioning them as a top contender in the Big Ten this season. He’s also well-compensated, earning $4.4 million annually with bonuses-and his contract includes a unique clause that restricts him from jumping to another college job unless certain major changes occur.
Still, Kansas State could make the call. Underwood returning to his alma mater would be a full-circle moment, and fans would welcome him with open arms. But timing is everything, and right now, the odds seem long.
Josh Schertz (Saint Louis)
If there’s a rising star on this year’s coaching carousel, it’s Josh Schertz. The Saint Louis head coach checks a lot of boxes: head coaching experience, a track record of winning, and momentum.
Schertz has led the Billikens to a 24-1 record this season and a 40-16 mark over the past two years. Before that, he turned Indiana State into a winner and racked up 337 victories at Division II Lincoln Memorial. That’s a whole lot of winning, no matter the level.
He reportedly earns around $2 million per year at Saint Louis, and with Kansas State being the first power-conference job to open, the Wildcats might have a head start if they want to pursue him. If Schertz is the guy, though, they’ll likely have to wait until after the Billikens wrap up their postseason run.
Jerrod Calhoun (Utah State)
Jerrod Calhoun is another mid-major coach making serious noise. Utah State is 22-3 and just thumped Memphis on national television. That kind of performance doesn’t go unnoticed.
Calhoun led the Aggies to 26 wins and an NCAA Tournament appearance last season. Before that, he built consistent winners at Youngstown State and Division II Fairmont State. He’s proven he can elevate programs at multiple levels.
He signed a contract extension with Utah State last year and is making $1.85 million, but Kansas State could offer a bigger stage and a bigger paycheck. If Taylor wants a coach on the rise, Calhoun fits the bill.
Eric Olen (New Mexico)
Eric Olen is quietly building something special in Albuquerque. In his first season at New Mexico, he’s guided the Lobos to an 18-4 record. That success is just the latest chapter in a coaching career that’s been marked by upward momentum.
Olen previously led San Diego through a successful transition from Division II to Division I, culminating in a 30-win season and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2025. His career winning percentage sits at an impressive 68%.
He’s not a household name yet, but if Kansas State is looking for a proven winner with a modern approach, Olen could be a sneaky-good candidate.
Bryan Hodgson (USF)
Bryan Hodgson may not have decades of experience, but what he does have is a strong early résumé. In just three seasons as a head coach, he’s already stacked up wins.
Hodgson led Arkansas State to 20 and then 25 wins in back-to-back seasons, with both campaigns ending in postseason play. Now at USF, he’s got the Bulls sitting at 18-8 and atop the American Athletic Conference standings.
Before becoming a head coach, Hodgson served as an assistant at Buffalo and Alabama, giving him a solid mix of mid-major and high-major experience. If Kansas State is willing to bet on a younger coach with upward trajectory, Hodgson is worth a long look.
Travis Steele (Miami of Ohio)
It’s hard to ignore what Travis Steele is doing at Miami (Ohio). The Redhawks are the last undefeated team in the country at 25-0, and they’re barreling toward the NCAA Tournament.
Steele’s first head coaching stint at Xavier didn’t produce a tournament appearance, but he still won 70 games over four seasons. Since taking over at Miami, he’s transformed the program, guiding them to 25 wins last year and now putting together a potentially historic campaign.
He’s got experience in both the Big East and the MAC, and this season could be the one that puts him back on the radar for a high-major job.
Mike Boynton (Michigan assistant)
Mike Boynton’s tenure as head coach at Oklahoma State ended in 2024, but that doesn’t mean he’s out of the coaching picture. In fact, he’s quietly rebuilding his stock as an assistant at Michigan, where the Wolverines are making a strong case as the top team in the country this season.
At Oklahoma State, Boynton posted a 119-109 record over seven seasons. He reached the postseason three times and famously recruited Cade Cunningham. While he only made one NCAA Tournament appearance, his teams were competitive, and he’s known for his recruiting chops.
If Kansas State is open to giving a second chance to a coach with major-conference experience, Boynton could be in the mix.
Erik Pastrana (Miami assistant)
Erik Pastrana has deep Kansas State roots. He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant under Frank Martin and later worked under Brad Underwood at Stephen F.
Austin. Since then, he’s built a strong résumé as an assistant at Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma State, and now Miami, where he’s the associate head coach.
The catch? Pastrana has never been a head coach.
That could be a sticking point, especially with Taylor emphasizing head coaching experience in this search. But if the Wildcats decide to go with someone who knows the program and brings high-level assistant experience, Pastrana could be a dark horse.
What’s Next for K-State?
With six games left in the season and the coaching search just beginning, Kansas State has time to be deliberate. The early dismissal of Tang gives Taylor a head start on the market, and that could prove valuable in a year when multiple programs may be looking for new leadership.
Whether the Wildcats go with a rising mid-major star, a familiar face, or a bold new direction, one thing is clear: This hire will shape the future of Kansas State basketball. And with the right fit, the program could be back in the national conversation sooner than later.