Kansas State made the decision to remove head coach Jerome Tang “for cause” on Feb. 15, and Matthew Driscoll has been named as the interim head coach for the Wildcats. While there are still more games to play this season, K-State is second from the bottom of the Big 12, and there’s only room for improvement. In Driscoll’s debut against Baylor on Feb. 17, he coached the lineup to a 90-71 win, with players all around making a solid performance on the court.
Since the coaching change, the gaze of Wildcat fans has shifted from wins and losses to possible coaching replacements for Tang. Some characteristics K-State may be looking for to fill the head coach position are young age, prior experience and currency in today’s fast-paced game of NIL and transfer portal.
Jerrod Calhoun, Utah State
Currently in his second season as head coach at Utah State, Calhoun has built sustainable success through the program. His first year — the 2024-25 season — was one of the strongest debuts in program history, finishing 26-8, and becoming the fourth coach in program history to make the NCAA Tournament. Calhoun has made Utah State’s offense a highly ranked one, when looking at assist and turnover ratio, assists per game and field goal percentage. During March 2025, Calhoun signed a multi-year contract with Utah State that made him one of the highest-paid coaches in the Mountain West Conference. Calhoun’s leadership and versatility would make him a strong option to be the next head coach at K-State. Matt Braeuer, Stephen F. Austin
Hired in March 2025, Braeuer joined the Lumberjacks and is having a successful 24-3 season, becoming a top team in the Southland Conference. Under his coaching, the team’s defense has significantly improved and has placed high both within the conference and nationally in defensive performance. Before accepting the head coach position with Stephen F. Austin, Braeuer was an assistant coach at Texas Tech from 2023-25. He also spent five seasons at the University of North Texas, where he helped guide successful teams to an NIT championship along with several NCAA Tournament appearances. Braeuer’s background also includes places like Sam Houston State, Maryland, College of Charleston, Midland College and even a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Wichita State. Along with his extensive experience, Braeuer is the prime age to lead a team.
John Groce, Akron
Groce was hired in April 2017 and took over the men’s basketball program at the University of Akron, building the Akron Zips into one of the premier teams in the Mid-American Conference. Under his leadership, Akron has consistently posted strong overall and conference records, captured multiple MAC regular-season and tournament championships and earned several NCAA Tournament appearances. The Zips have developed a reputation for disciplined play, efficient offense and tough defense, while also establishing one of the best winning percentages in the conference during his tenure. Before Akron, Groce brought head coaching experience from Ohio and Illinois, giving him a proven Division I resume. His sustained success has led to long-term contract extensions and has positioned Akron as a steady mid-major contender with national postseason presence.
Bryan Hodgson, South Florida
Currently in his second season as head coach at the University of South Florida, Bryan Hodgson has built sustainable success throughout the program. In his first year — the 2023-24 season — it became one of the strongest in school history as the South Florida Bulls men’s basketball team captured the American Athletic Conference regular-season title and earned an NCAA Tournament appearance. Reaching the NCAA Tournament marked a major milestone for South Florida and quickly elevated the program’s national profile. Hodgson has reshaped the Bulls’ identity with improved offensive efficiency, along with the tempo and throughout the American Athletic Conference. His ability to recruit and develop talent has translated into immediate results and long-term potential. Making Hodgson the next K-State head coach would energize the fanbase, as his leadership style, recruiting strength and modern system make him a strong candidate to continue building a winning culture.
Eric Olen, New Mexico
Olen was hired in March 2025 to take over the men’s basketball program at the University of New Mexico and has since worked to strengthen the New Mexico Lobos within the highly competitive Mountain West Conference. Under his leadership, New Mexico has remained competitive in conference play while emphasizing efficient offense, disciplined guard play and strong player development. The Lobos have continued to build consistency on both ends of the floor, maintaining a reputation for balanced scoring and toughness against high-level competition. Before arriving at New Mexico, Olen built a successful tenure at UC San Diego, where he guided the program through its Division I transition and established a winning culture. His experience developing talent and sustaining program growth positions New Mexico as a steady contender with postseason aspirations under his direction.
