The former Coach of the Year has faced a decline.
Jerome Tang buyout, contract details as Kansas State Wildcats coach originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jerome Tang’s contract at Kansas State reflects a growing complexity with the Wildcats’ men’s basketball program.
Tang is in the third year of a seven-year contract extension signed in September 2023 that runs through April 30, 2030. The deal, which followed one of the most successful debut seasons in school history, includes escalating base salaries, annual retention bonuses and one of the largest buyout figures in college basketball.
For the 2025-26 season, Tang’s base salary is approximately $3.6 million. Under the contract’s structure, that figure increases by roughly $100,000 each year, reaching $4 million in 2029-30 and $4.1 million in 2030-31. In addition, Tang is eligible for $200,000 retention bonuses at the conclusion of the 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.
The extension was awarded after Tang’s first season in Manhattan, when Kansas State went 26-10 and finished 11-7 in the Big 12, tying for third in what was widely considered the nation’s toughest conference.
The Wildcats reached the Elite Eight for the first time since 2017-18, posting the third-most wins in school history. Tang earned the 2023 Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year award and was the consensus Big 12 Coach of the Year.
Jerome Tang buyout terms
If Kansas State were to part ways with Tang before April 30, 2026, the buyout would total $18.675 million, according to contract terms via the Topeka Capital-Journal. That figure drops to $15.75 million after the 2026-27 season and gradually declines to $4.4 million between May 2030 and April 2031, or the remaining unpaid salary.
Before April 30, 2026 — $18.675 million
After 2026-27 season — $15.75 million
After 2027-28 season — $12.75 million
After 2028-29 season — $9.675 million
After 2029-30 season — $6.525 million
Between May 2030 and April 2031 — $4.4 million or remaining unpaid salary
According to USA TODAY, it ranks as the 12th-largest buyout in college basketball, placing Kansas State in a potentially historic financial decision as frustration around the program continues to grow for the Kansas State Wildcats.
Jerome Tang bonuses
Tang's first season unlocked multiple bonuses. Tang received a $340,000 milestone bonus for completing his first year and became eligible for performance incentives that can exceed $1 million annually, including $200,000 for an Elite Eight appearance, $400,000 for a Final Four and $600,000 for a national championship.
Since his first season, results have declined for Tang and the Wildcats. K-State won 19 games in 2023-24 and 16 in 2024-25, with projections placing the Wildcats near the bottom of the conference in 2025-26 despite significant Name, Image and Likeness investments. Tang previously served as associate head coach at Baylor Bears before being hired in March 2022.
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Category: General Sports
