BREAKING: Tang agrees to contract extension

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K-State men's basketball head coach Jerome Tang gives a speech for Senior Day following a win over the Oklahoma Sooners. The Wildcats beat the Sooners 85-69 March 1 at Bramlage Coliseum. (Archive photo by Avery Johnson | Collegian Media Group)

Editor’s note: Clarified that Tang was the fourth-paragraph speaker. Additionally, lowercased coach in the second paragraph, updated the caption and changed “an 100k” to “a 100k.”

Men’s basketball head coach Jerome Tang has agreed to a contract extension through 2029-30. K-State Athletics announced the extension Monday afternoon that replaces Tang’s original six-year deal when he took the job. The extension will pay Tang $3 million per year with a $100k increase after each season.

“What coach Tang and his staff did in their first year here was phenomenal,” Athletic Director Gene Taylor said to K-State Athletics. “The run to the Elite Eight was remarkable, but what separates coach Tang is his pure love of his players and the relationships that he builds with everyone that he encounters. His ability to connect with players, staff, recruits, students and fans is special, and he is the perfect fit for Kansas State. The culture that he and his staff have built is extraordinary. We are delighted to have him, Rey, Seven and Aylyn as a vital part of the Wildcat family and for him to continue to lead our basketball team for a very long time.”

Tang quickly turned the men’s basketball program around in his first year. Through the transfer portal and a culture change, the second-year head coach revamped the 14-17 team in former head coach Bruce Weber’s final season and took the team to the Elite Eight.

“My family and I could not be more excited about the future with this commitment from President [Richard] Linton and Gene [Taylor], as the staff and I continue to elevate this program to even greater heights,” Tang said. “I say it all the time and I truly mean it, we’re fortunate every day to be at such a special place. I’m a blessed individual with a wonderful family, and I’m in this position today due to the love, support and sacrifices of many people. I want to first thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all the blessings in my life. I would not be where I’m right now if it wasn’t for His faithfulness in my life and guidance.”

The Wildcats enter the season with multiple new transfers and returning players. The regular season home opener for Tang and the team in his second season will be played at Las Vegas in the Hall of Fame Series against USC Nov. 6.

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