Jerome Tang to return to Baylor basketball as top assistant | Report

Jerome Tang to return to Baylor basketball as top assistant | Report

MANHATTAN — Jerome Tang is back.

The former Kansas State basketball coach will return to the sidelines as a member of Baylor's staff under Scott Drew, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Tang served on Drew's staff at Baylor from 2003-22, where he was the associate head coach from 2017-22, including during the Bears' national championship run in 2021.

Tang's four-year career at Kansas State ended in turmoil when he was fired mid-season for cause after a postgame outburst following a loss to Cincinnati on Feb. 11, in which he described his players' efforts as "embarrassing." He continued, "These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform, and there will be very few of them in it next year."

By firing Tang for cause, Kansas State would avoid paying a record $18.675 million buyout. It is believed that Tang and his lawyers are continuing to meet with K-State behind closed doors in pursuit of a settlement, as he has yet to sue the university.

K-State hired former Belmont coach Casey Alexander to replace Tang on March 13, with a five-year contract averaging $3.4 million annually.

Tang's return to the sidelines was expected. The 59-year-old coach has been successful as a top assistant. His experiences at K-State included a run to the Elite Eight in 2023 and added a Naismith College Coach of the Year honor on his resume.

Before Tang was hired at Kansas State, he was on Drew's staff at Baylor. When they first arrived in Waco, they were responsible for resurrecting the program, which had faced heavy sanctions due to multiple factors. Together, they led the Bears to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and a championship.

This past February, coincidentally, the Wildcats hosted Baylor two days after the school fired Tang. The Wildcats won 90-74, snapping a six-game losing streak. Drew said he felt like he was in the "Twilight Zone," given the awkward circumstances of the contest.

"He's family; we won championships together," Drew said. "It's been emotional for me and our staff. If you have a brother or friend and they go through hardship, you feel it. I know how much he cares for his coaches, and they love Kansas State. I think it just showed what they are capable of."