Making A Case For Jerome Tang As Arkansas' Next Head Coach

Immediate success key factor in why Kansas State coach is potential candidate

Author:
Jacob Davis
Apr 05, 2024

In this story:

Jerome Tang

Kansas State

Arkansas Razorbacks

Coaching Search

FAYTTEVILLE, Ark. – Razorback football coach Sam Pittman talks about the state being a blue-collar, loyal place. He told media and fans in attendance what Arkansas, the program and athletic department is really like.

"We'd like our program to reflect our state, the great state of Arkansas: Loyal, tough, hard-working," Pittman said. "In my office is a sign that says, 'You're not coming to play for the University of Arkansas, you're coming to play for the state of Arkansas.' And it's true to the core."

Kansas State basketball head coach Jerome Tang seems to be cut from the same cloth as Pittman. Loyal, hard-working, loves his players and will advocate for them any day of the week. Of course, Tang is one of the hottest names in college basketball during the coaching carousel considering his level of success with the Wildcats.

Spent Time With Elite Program

Despite his tiny bit of college head coaching experience with his two years in Manhattan, Tang worked in Scott Drew’s program at Baylor. After nearly two-decades in Waco, Texas, he was instrumental in the rise of the Bears basketball program from its dreary days of near death penalty sanctions in 2003 to winning a national championship in 2021.

Tang immediately brought similar success to Kansas State, making it to the Elite Eight in 2023. A giant slayer, the Wildcats defeated Kentucky and Michigan State in consecutive weekends before losing to ‘Cinderella’ Florida Atlantic for a slot in the Final Four.

A winning pedigree will be welcome in Fayetteville. Experience in the physical, highly competitive Big 12 is impressive considering the high level ball played there. During his first season with the Wildcats, Tang was honored with the Naismith Coach of the Year Award with a 26-10 season and deep run in the tournament.

Dealing With Controversy

There was a dark cloud surrounding the Kansas State program throughout Tang’s second season and he didn’t have much to do with it. Big man Nae’Qwan Tomlin was a huge reason for the Wildcats' success during the 2023 NCAA Tournament averaging 12 points and six rebounds per game on 63% shooting from the field. After an arrest in October, Tomlin was suspended indefinitely from the team, but when Tang and athletics director Gene Taylor were set to allow Tomlin’s return, university president Richard Linton overruled. That decision led Tomlin to transfer to Memphis and play 21 games for the Tigers.

A devout Christian and an advocate for players in his program, Tang is beloved around Manhattan. He would have a loyal and proud following from Razorback fans as long as he’s winning. Aside from basketball, he is a great man and has never been in trouble with NCAA violations from his time at Baylor or Kansas State which makes him as a near flawless candidate for Hunter Yurachek.

Transfer Portal Prowess

Recruiting transfers is a necessity in this day and age of college athletics and Tang understands that. Following an exceptional first season, Kansas State restocked its roster with an impressive haul with Will McNair Jr. (Mississippi State), Arthur Kaluma (Creighton) and Tylor Perry (North Texas).

Due to Arkansas’ roster exodus following its 16-17 season in Year 5 under Eric Musselman, Tang will be tasked with rebuilding a roster than only has two players returning and a pair of high schoolers signed at this point in the offseason. Patience will need to be afforded to the Kansas State coach if named the next Razorbacks head man as he tries to follow up the best five season run in Fayetteville since the 90s.

Embraces Tradition

There is no doubt Razorback basketball has plenty of tradition with six Final Four’s, two championship game appearances and a national title. Fan support at Arkansas is a huge plus for any coach, even if they get a little rowdy sometimes.

Eric Musselman woke up a sleeping giant in Fayetteville. Fans want to see the program continue winning in March and need a coach to feed the beast. With Tang having a taste of winning at Kansas State, he embraces the tradition and fan support of his Wildcats. Fans have been spoiled over the years with 14 Elite Eight’s, eight Final Four’s and one runner-up finish.

During a recent interview with Field of 68, Tang spoke about the passion of Kansas State basketball.

“There’s a history there,” Tang said. "The Final Fours, Sweet 16s, I think we’ve gone to more Sweet 16s than maybe 15 programs in the country. [Kansas State] is a basketball school. Our fan base, man, they are passionate. Passionate. You feel it.”