Kansas State Fires Jerome Tang, Launching the 2026 College Hoops Coaching Carousel
Well, here we go. The 2026 college basketball coaching carousel is officially in motion, and Kansas State just lit the first fuse. In a move that caught plenty around the sport off guard, the Wildcats have parted ways with head coach Jerome Tang-less than three years after he led them to the Elite Eight in 2023.
This isn’t a program making a change because it’s out of options. Kansas State has resources.
It has ambition. And it has a fan base hungry for consistent success in a Big 12 that’s turned into a gauntlet.
With powerhouses like Kansas, Houston, Arizona, Texas Tech, BYU, and Iowa State all in the mix, it takes more than a splash in the portal to keep pace. Tang had his moments, but the Wildcats clearly believe they can find someone to take them to a higher level-and they’re getting a head start on the rest of the field.
So, who’s next in Manhattan? Let’s break down the names you need to know.
Josh Schertz - Saint Louis
If you're looking for a coach who's got his program humming on both ends, look no further than Josh Schertz. His Saint Louis squad is 24-1 and not just winning games-they’re dominating them.
Offensively, they’re a joy to watch. Five guys on the floor, all capable of creating advantages, all moving with purpose.
That’s not just good coaching-it’s elite system-building.
Saint Louis ranks No. 2 in the country in effective field goal percentage. Defensively?
Even better. They’re No.
- That balance is rare-and it’s why Schertz is going to be one of the most talked-about names this spring.
But here’s the thing: Schertz isn’t chasing the next paycheck. Saint Louis is doing everything it can to keep him, and they’ve got their wallets open.
He’s going to get calls from just about every major opening, and there may be flashier jobs than Kansas State on the horizon. Still, if the Wildcats can sell him on their vision and stability, they’ve got a shot.
Just don’t be surprised if he holds out for something even bigger.
Jerrod Calhoun - Utah State
Calhoun is one of the fastest risers in the coaching ranks, and he’s earned every bit of the buzz. Utah State is 22-3 and leading the Mountain West, and this would be their second straight NCAA Tournament trip under his watch. That’s not just a hot streak-it’s a pattern.
He’s a sharp talent evaluator who’s hit on both high school recruits and portal pickups, and his teams play with a clear identity. Offensively, Utah State is tracking toward a top-20 finish for the second straight year, and defensively, they throw a mix of looks that keep opponents off balance.
Timing could be everything here. Calhoun is a Cincinnati alum, and if that job opens up, he’ll be a top target. By making this move now, Kansas State is positioning itself to get in early-and maybe close the deal before another suitor comes calling.
Chris Jans - Mississippi State
If Kansas State wants experience at the high-major level, Chris Jans checks a lot of boxes. He’s built NCAA Tournament-caliber teams in seven of the last nine years between Mississippi State and New Mexico State.
From 2022 to 2025, he took the Bulldogs to three straight Big Dances. This season has been a bit bumpier, but the résumé is still strong.
Jans is known for building tough, physical defenses and efficient, balanced offenses. He’s not just a recruiter-he’s a builder.
Mississippi State has SEC backing, but Kansas State has shown it's willing to invest at a different level. If the Wildcats want someone who’s been through the wars and knows how to win in March, Jans could be their guy.
Casey Alexander - Belmont
Casey Alexander might not have the high-major name recognition, but the results speak for themselves. Belmont has won 20+ games in each of his seven seasons, and this year’s team-sitting at 24-4-is his best yet.
Alexander’s calling card is offense. Belmont has finished in the top 25 nationally in effective field goal percentage in seven of the last eight seasons, and he’s done it despite consistently losing top talent to the portal. That kind of adaptability is gold in today’s game.
Belmont leads the Missouri Valley Conference and has the shooting and size to make noise in March. Alexander may not be the flashiest name on the board, but he’s a proven winner with a system that works.
Bryan Hodgson - South Florida
Hodgson has made a name for himself in a hurry. After helping build Alabama into a recruiting powerhouse under Nate Oats, he took over Arkansas State in 2024-25 and went 25-11. Now, in his first season at South Florida, he’s got the Bulls sitting at 18-8 and leading the AAC.
He’s brought a lot of that Alabama DNA with him-pace, spacing, and offensive versatility-and it’s working. South Florida has jumped 44 spots from its preseason KenPom projection.
Hodgson’s recruiting chops are well known, and he’s proving he can coach, too. If Kansas State wants a young, dynamic leader with a modern approach, Hodgson is worth a long look.
Matt Braeuer - Stephen F. Austin
Stephen F. Austin is back, and Matt Braeuer is the reason why.
The Lumberjacks are 23-3 and leading the Southland, boasting the league’s top defense and second-best offense. That’s not easy to do in your first year as a head coach.
Braeuer, a former Wichita State sharpshooter, knows the Kansas basketball landscape well. He also has Big 12 experience, having worked under Grant McCasland at both North Texas and Texas Tech. That familiarity could be a big plus.
The knock? He’s just 39 and in his first year running a program.
After hiring Tang-who was also a longtime assistant before taking over-Kansas State may want someone with a longer track record. But make no mistake: Braeuer looks like a future star.
Eric Olen - New Mexico
Olen made waves last year by taking UC San Diego to the NCAA Tournament, and he’s kept the momentum going at New Mexico. The Lobos are 19-6 overall and 10-4 in Mountain West play in his first season. That’s a fast turnaround.
There’s some instability around the program, though. The Mountain West is undergoing major realignment, and New Mexico’s athletic director-the one who hired Olen-left for Colorado just nine months later. That kind of turnover could make Olen more open to a move.
His buyout is manageable at $2.65 million, but he may need to punch a ticket to the NCAA Tournament this year to really get into the mix. Still, he’s one to keep an eye on.
Ryan Miller - Murray State
Miller has Murray State back near the top of the Missouri Valley, where the program expects to be. He built his reputation as a recruiter at Creighton and TCU, and he’s already turned that into on-court success.
If Kansas State wants a coach who can bring in high-level talent and develop it, Miller checks that box. He’s got the pedigree and the early results to warrant consideration.
Scott Cross - Troy
Scott Cross has quietly built a model of consistency at Troy. The Trojans are on pace for their fifth straight 20-win season, and they made the NCAA Tournament last year. Cross has nearly two decades of head coaching experience, which could appeal to Kansas State after taking a swing on a first-time head coach in Tang.
Troy is in the hunt for another Sun Belt title, and Cross’s steady hand might be exactly what Kansas State is looking for.
What’s Next for Kansas State?
This is a pivotal moment for Kansas State basketball. The program has shown it’s willing to spend, and it’s got the infrastructure to support a high-level hire. The Big 12 isn’t getting any easier, so this next move has to hit.
Whether the Wildcats go with a proven high-major name like Chris Jans, a rising star like Jerrod Calhoun, or a system-builder like Josh Schertz, the message is clear: Kansas State wants to win-and win big. The search is on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.