Kansas State and Jerome Tang nearing $12M settlement after for-cause firing dispute
Kansas State and former men's basketball coach Jerome Tang are reportedly close to a $12 million settlement following Tang's for-cause firing in February, according to ESPN. The university dismissed Tang amid a 10-15 start to his fourth season, citing a postgame outburst in which he criticized his players, in an effort to avoid a buyout that would have exceeded $18 million under a without-cause termination. The firing drew widespread criticism from across college basketball, with many observers characterizing the university's legal rationale as weak. Tang, who disagreed with the characterization of his dismissal, has since returned to Baylor as associate head coach, a position that would factor into any buyout calculation under the terms of his original contract.
Why it matters
For brands: Brands and sponsors attached to programs involved in contentious coaching disputes may face reputational considerations during prolonged legal proceedings.
For coaches: The case illustrates how postgame conduct can be used — and challenged — as grounds for for-cause termination, with significant financial consequences for coaches on large contracts.
For collectives: Athletic departments considering coach separations may weigh this settlement as a precedent for the risks of asserting for-cause firing on disputed grounds.
Read the full story at CBS Sports
Sources
- CBS Sports · David Cobb: Kansas State, Jerome Tang reportedly near $12M settlement following for-cause firing, per report
- The Athletic: Kansas State, Jerome Tang reach $12 million settlement over firing: Source