Report: Kansas State offers Jerome Tang extension amid Arkansas interest

Kansas State won’t lose its leader without a fight. On Friday, Jon Rothstein reported the school has offered Jerome Tang a a contract extension. Tang is currently at the top of Arkansas‘ list to replace head coach Eric Musselman, who left to take over at USC.

Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard was also reportedly in talks with Arkansas. However, Jeff Goodman reported Beard ultimately decided to turn down the opportunity. With his decision, Tang became Arkansas’ main target.

Tang had spent 19 seasons as an assistant coach and associate head coach at Baylor before taking the job at Kansas State in 2022. 

In Jerome Tang’s pair of seasons leading the Wildcats, they have gone 45-25 (.643). They missed the NCAA Tournament this season but made the Elite Eight a season ago in his first year behind Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson.

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Arkansas is seeking to replace Eric Musselman

After five seasons with the program, Musselman left Arkansas to become the next head coach at USC. He will be replacing Andy Enfield, who also left in favor of the SMU Mustangs.

Musselman penned a heartfelt goodbye to Arkansas shortly after his hire was made official by USC. Thanking everyone involved with the program, Musselman spoke on behalf of his family. A lot of “special moments” occurred while in Fayetteville and it’s something Musselman will never forget.

“From the moment my family and I stepped into this state and onto this beautiful campus, you have welcomed us and made us feel at home,” Musselman said.

“The last five years have been so special for my family and I. They have been filled with so many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life. I hope this time gave you some special moments, too.

“Thank you, Razorback fans. You are among the most passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated in the country.

“We would like to thank Hunter Yurachek, the entire athletic department, the student-athletes, student body, and alumni for their unwavering support and energy.”

While the 2023-2024 season did not go how Musselman planned, he still had an immense amount of success at Arkansas. In three NCAA Tournament appearances, all of them went into the second weekend. In total, two Elite Eights and a Sweet Sixteen are on the resume.

Musselman’s regular season record was quite good, as well. He finished 111-59 while at Arkansas and 47-42 against SEC foes. Musselman was never able to secure a conference championship while with the Razorbacks.