Full Breakdown
Kansas State University Appoints Casey Alexander as New Men's Basketball Coach
3/15/2026, 2:08:42 AM
Overview of the Coaching Change
Kansas State University has officially hired Casey Alexander as the new head coach of its men's basketball program, following the dismissal of Jerome Tang. The announcement came just three days after the Wildcats concluded a disappointing 12-20 season, including a 3-15 record in Big 12 play. Alexander, who previously led Belmont University, signed a five-year contract worth approximately $3.3 million for the 2026-27 season, with annual raises of $50,000.
Casey Alexander's Coaching Background
Casey Alexander, 53, has a notable coaching history, having spent the last seven seasons at Belmont, where he achieved a record of 166 wins and four conference titles. His tenure at Belmont was marked by consistent success, with his teams winning at least 20 games each season. Under his leadership, Belmont ranked first nationally in both three-point shooting percentage (41%) and effective field goal percentage during the 2025-26 season. Alexander's coaching career also includes stints at Stetson and Lipscomb, where he led Lipscomb to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2018 and a runner-up finish in the NIT in 2019.
Contract Details and Expectations
The contract signed by Alexander includes a base salary that will increase to $3.5 million by the 2030-31 season. Athletic Director Gene Taylor expressed enthusiasm about the hire, highlighting Alexander's reputation as a talent evaluator and offensive strategist. "We couldn’t be more excited to announce Casey Alexander as the next head men’s basketball coach at K-State," Taylor stated, emphasizing the positive reputation of K-State basketball throughout the coaching search.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the excitement surrounding Alexander's hiring, some fans and analysts have raised concerns regarding his lack of NCAA Tournament success. Although he has led teams to multiple postseason appearances, including one NCAA Tournament with Lipscomb, critics point out that he has not advanced beyond the first round. Additionally, there are worries about potential player transfers from Belmont following his departure, as some players may seek to follow him to Kansas State.
Official Statements
In his introductory statement, Alexander expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach at Kansas State, stating, "K-State has such a rich tradition and a wildly passionate fan base, and I’m grateful for the opportunity provided by Gene Taylor to be a part of it." Taylor also noted that Alexander's experience and track record of building successful programs made him an ideal fit for the Wildcats.
What's Next for Kansas State
As Kansas State looks to rebound from its recent struggles, the focus will be on rebuilding the program under Alexander's leadership. The Wildcats aim to return to NCAA Tournament contention, having missed the tournament in six of the last seven seasons. Alexander's ability to develop players and foster a winning culture will be critical as he embarks on this new chapter in Manhattan.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m incredibly excited to join the team at K-State and can’t wait to get the journey started,” — Casey Alexander, Head Coach, Kansas State University
- “We couldn’t be more excited to announce Casey Alexander as the next head men’s basketball coach at K-State.” — Gene Taylor, Athletic Director, Kansas State University
This coaching change marks a pivotal moment for Kansas State basketball as it seeks to restore its competitive edge in the Big 12 Conference.
