Jerome Tang is returning to familiar territory, rejoining Baylor University’s basketball program as associate head coach after spending four seasons away as the head coach at Kansas State.
Baylor head coach Scott Drew officially unveiled his coaching staff for the 2026-27 season on Wednesday, highlighting Tang’s return as one of the most notable additions. The move reunites Drew with one of the architects of Baylor’s rise to national prominence.
Tang left Baylor in 2022 to take over the Kansas State program and immediately made an impact, guiding the Wildcats to an impressive NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearance in his debut season. However, his tenure took a downturn in recent years, culminating in his dismissal in February after Kansas State stumbled to an 11-loss stretch in its first 12 Big 12 conference games.
Before becoming a head coach, Tang spent 19 seasons on Scott Drew’s staff at Baylor, joining the program in 2003 during one of the most challenging periods in school history. The Bears were recovering from severe NCAA sanctions at the time, and Tang played a significant role in helping rebuild the program into a national powerhouse. His contributions were instrumental in Baylor’s historic 2021 national championship run.
Tang’s return strengthens a Baylor coaching staff that blends experience, championship pedigree, and strong ties to the program. Drew’s 2026-27 staff will also feature associate head coach Ron Sanchez, who enters his second season back with the Bears, and assistant coach Tweety Carter, a former Baylor standout now entering his third year on staff.
Joining the coaching group are former Baylor players Jake Lindsey, who will serve as assistant coach and general manager, and Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, who has been named an assistant coach.
Drew emphasized the importance of maintaining the program’s family atmosphere and tradition, noting that several members of the coaching staff once wore a Baylor uniform themselves. With Tang back in Waco, the Bears are adding another experienced leader with deep roots in the program as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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