College Basketball Coaching Carousel Spins Early

0:00On March 3rd, college basketball's coaching carousel is spinning early this year. In the first week of March, 11 schools already have openings for the 2026 cycle, and experts predict that number could double soon. Especially at the mid-major level, power conferences might see 9-12 changes by early April, with more surprises likely on the horizon. Kansas State made the biggest splash so far. Athletic Director Jean Taylor fired Jerome Tang for calls on February 15th, sparking a legal battle over whether the school owes him nothing or up to $18 million. It all stemmed from Tongue's public ran against his players after a game. The school is quietly interviewing candidates now, aiming for a sitting-head coach despite past issues with name, image, and likeness funds. Several mid-major programs have parted ways with their coaches amid tough seasons and investigations. Air Force let go of Joe Scott after a leave over player treatment concerns. Schools like Cal State Bakersfield, Lamar North Florida, Oregon State, San Diego Tennessee Tech and Wagner also changes due to poor records, leadership shifts, or allegations of abusive tactics.

1:10These jobs rank among the hardest in the sport, with limited success stories. One bright spot came at Kansas City, where the ruse hired Mark Turgeon, a veteran with over 450 wins and 10 NCAA tournament, trips. It's a rare coup for a program without its own turning history, boosted by strong name, image, and likeness support, and Turgeon's regional ties from, his Kansas playing days. Searchers are ramping up across the board from military academies to rebuilding conference teams. As these schools transition conferences or rebuild rosters, expect more high profile moves to shake up the landscape before spring.