Jerome Tang

Jerome Tang is a Trinidadian-American college basketball coach who is the head coach for the Wildcats of Kansas State University. He had previously been an assistant coach under Scott Drew from 2003 to 2022 at Baylor, where the Bears won the 2021 NCAA Championship.

Early life

Tang was born in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago. He moved with his parents to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, living there until age 10 when his family relocated to Texas. Tang first attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and then studied at home via online learning with Charter Oak State College over the Internet, and earned a bachelor's degree in 2007.

Coaching career

High school and assistant

Between 1993 and 2003, Tang served as head coach of Heritage Christian Academy in Cleveland, Texas, turning the team into a strong contender. While at Heritage Christian, he coached future NBA player Von Wafer. Tang was hired as an assistant coach at Baylor in 2003 under first-year coach Scott Drew. In 2017, Tang was promoted to associate head coach, and he helped lead Baylor to a national championship in 2021.

Kansas State

On March 21, 2022, Tang was named head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats, replacing the retiring Bruce Weber. Tang agreed to a six-year deal worth $14.1 million with the Wildcats. Tang signed a new 7-year contract in September 2023, extending his deal through April 30, 2030, with annual salary increases starting at $3 million and retention bonuses, replacing his original contract after a successful first season.

Personal life

Tang and his wife, Careylyen, have two children, son Seven and daughter Aylyn. He is a Christian, and routinely begins press conferences by thanking his "Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." His father is of half-African and half-Chinese heritage, and his mother is Indian.