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Is Chris Jans on the hot seat as Mississippi State basketball coach?
- Story by
- Is Chris Jans on the hot seat as Mississippi State basketball coach?
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State basketball is having its worst season under fourth-year coach Chris Jans .
The Bulldogs are 12-13 (4-8 SEC) entering the Feb. 18 game against Auburn (14-11, 5-7) at Humphrey Coliseum (8 p.m., ESPN2). If they finish below .500, it would be MSU's first losing season since 2015-16 under coach Ben Howland.
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Does that mean Jans is on the hot seat with six regular season games remaining? Let's dive in.
What's gone wrong for Mississippi State basketball
Star guard Josh Hubbard is having a career-best season with 21.4 points per game, but many of the MSU players around him have struggled with inconsistencies. There were misses in the transfer portal, and forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming is the only freshman who's consistently contributed.
Mississippi State coach Chris Jans works the sideline against Auburn during their 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts against against the Mississippi Rebels in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans watches against Ole Miss in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Jan 31, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts to play against the Missouri Tigers during the second half of the game at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
(Denny Medley, Denny Medley-Imagn Images)
Jan 31, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans enters the court against the Missouri Tigers prior to the game at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
(Denny Medley, Denny Medley-Imagn Images)
Jan 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-Imagn Images)
Jan 13, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-Imagn Images)
Mar 21, 2025; Raleigh, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the first half against the Baylor Bears in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
Mar 13, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans yells to the referee against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, Imagn Images)
Mar 8, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images)
Mar 1, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Images)
Feb 11, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts to forward RJ Melendez (22) during the first half against the Florida Gators at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Images)
Feb 8, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts on the bench during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)
Feb 1, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Images)
Jan 29, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts to a referee during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Images)
Jan 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans disputes a call against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Jan 18, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans (left) reacts with Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (12) after defeating the Mississippi Rebels at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-Imagn Images)
Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl and Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans shake hands before the game as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi State Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
Jan 11, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
(Wesley Hale-Imagn Images)
Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans celebrates after defeating Vanderbilt at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Mississippi State's head coach Chris Jans yells during the game against Central Michigan at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
(Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans reacts to a play against Michigan State during the first half of NCAA tournament West Region first round at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans watches his team face Auburn during the second half of an SEC tournament semifinal game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 16, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans works the sideline against Tennessee during their SEC Men's Basketball Tournament quarterfinal game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 15, 2024.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
Mar 14; Nashville, Tennessee, United States; Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans yells to his players during a MenÕs SEC Tournament game against LSU at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
(Wade Payne, Wade Payne-The Tennessean)
Mar 9, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts towards an official during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
Feb 27, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans (right) reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
Feb 21, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts after defeating the Mississippi Rebels at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
Feb 3, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans expresses his displeasure with a call during the game with Alabama at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports)
Jan 30, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans gives direction during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
Jan 27, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans gives direction during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
Dec 13, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the first half against the Murray State Racers at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
Dec 3, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the first half against the Southern Jaguars at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
Nov 28, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans in the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at McCamish Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)
Nov 18, 2023; Uncasville, CT, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs coach Chris Jans looks on during the second half against Washington State Cougars at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark Smith, Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports)
Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans works with his team against Florida during the first half of a second round SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 9, 2023.
(George Walker IV / The Tennessean)
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts to play against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Mizzou Arena on Feb. 21, 2023 in Columbia, Missouri.
(Denny Medley, Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
Jan 31, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans (left) reacts to a call in the first half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)
Jan 28, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans (left) talks with guard Dashawn Davis (10) during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
Jan 21, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the second half against the Florida Gators at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl and Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans shake hands before the game as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi State Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.
(Jake Crandall)
Jan 11, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans on the sidelines against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
(Dale Zanine, Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
Nov 21, 2022; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans directs his team against the Marquette Golden Eagles in the first half during the Fort Myers Tip-off at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports)
Oct 19, 2022; Mountain Brook, AL, USA; Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans speaks during the SEC Tip Off 2022-23 Men's Basketball Media Day in Mountain Brook Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022 at Grand Bohemian Hotel.
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News)
Oct 19, 2022; Mountain Brook, AL, USA; Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans speaks during the SEC Tip Off 2022-23 Men's Basketball Media Day in Mountain Brook Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022 at Grand Bohemian Hotel.
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News)
Mississippi State University introduces Chris Jans as its new basketball coach during a news conference at MSU in Starkville, Miss., Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Jans formerly coached at New Mexico State from 2017-2022.
(Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State coach Chris Jans works the sideline against Auburn during their 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State coach Chris Jans works the sideline against Auburn during their 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts against against the Mississippi Rebels in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans watches against Ole Miss in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 31, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts to play against the Missouri Tigers during the second half of the game at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
(Denny Medley, Denny Medley-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 31, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans enters the court against the Missouri Tigers prior to the game at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
(Denny Medley, Denny Medley-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 13, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mar 21, 2025; Raleigh, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the first half against the Baylor Bears in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mar 13, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans yells to the referee against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mar 8, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mar 1, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Feb 11, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts to forward RJ Melendez (22) during the first half against the Florida Gators at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Feb 8, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts on the bench during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Feb 1, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 29, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts to a referee during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans disputes a call against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 18, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans (left) reacts with Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (12) after defeating the Mississippi Rebels at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl and Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans shake hands before the game as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi State Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 11, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
(Wesley Hale-Imagn Images)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans celebrates after defeating Vanderbilt at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State's head coach Chris Jans yells during the game against Central Michigan at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
(Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans reacts to a play against Michigan State during the first half of NCAA tournament West Region first round at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans watches his team face Auburn during the second half of an SEC tournament semifinal game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 16, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans works the sideline against Tennessee during their SEC Men's Basketball Tournament quarterfinal game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 15, 2024.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mar 14; Nashville, Tennessee, United States; Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans yells to his players during a MenÕs SEC Tournament game against LSU at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
(Wade Payne, Wade Payne-The Tennessean)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mar 9, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts towards an official during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Feb 27, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans (right) reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Feb 21, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts after defeating the Mississippi Rebels at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Feb 3, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans expresses his displeasure with a call during the game with Alabama at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 30, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans gives direction during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 27, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans gives direction during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Dec 13, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the first half against the Murray State Racers at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Dec 3, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the first half against the Southern Jaguars at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Nov 28, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans in the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at McCamish Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Nov 18, 2023; Uncasville, CT, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs coach Chris Jans looks on during the second half against Washington State Cougars at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark Smith, Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans works with his team against Florida during the first half of a second round SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 9, 2023.
(George Walker IV / The Tennessean)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts to play against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Mizzou Arena on Feb. 21, 2023 in Columbia, Missouri.
(Denny Medley, Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 31, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans (left) reacts to a call in the first half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 28, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans (left) talks with guard Dashawn Davis (10) during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 21, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts during the second half against the Florida Gators at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl and Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans shake hands before the game as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi State Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.
(Jake Crandall)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Jan 11, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans on the sidelines against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
(Dale Zanine, Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Nov 21, 2022; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans directs his team against the Marquette Golden Eagles in the first half during the Fort Myers Tip-off at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Oct 19, 2022; Mountain Brook, AL, USA; Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans speaks during the SEC Tip Off 2022-23 Men's Basketball Media Day in Mountain Brook Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022 at Grand Bohemian Hotel.
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Oct 19, 2022; Mountain Brook, AL, USA; Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans speaks during the SEC Tip Off 2022-23 Men's Basketball Media Day in Mountain Brook Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022 at Grand Bohemian Hotel.
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fifth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State University introduces Chris Jans as its new basketball coach during a news conference at MSU in Starkville, Miss., Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Jans formerly coached at New Mexico State from 2017-2022.
(Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger)
Losing forward KeShawn Murphy in the transfer portal was a big blow, too, and the Bulldogs are coincidently playing against Auburn, his new team, on Feb. 18.
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There were signs from the first game of the season that Mississippi State could be in for a down year. The Bulldogs only led North Alabama by one point at halftime before winning 86-62. They Bulldogs started the season 2-3 for the first time in 10 years.
Mississippi State ranks 14th in the SEC in offense with 77.4 points per game and 13th in defense with 78.4. MSU also ranks in the bottom three in the conference in field-goal percentage, 3-point percentage, free-throw percentage, steals per game and assists per game.
The Bulldogs appeared to turn a corner from December into January when they won six games in a row, including the first two SEC games against Texas and Oklahoma. They are 2-8 since then but did thrash Ole Miss 90-78 in the last game on Feb. 14.
MSU enters the Auburn game 12th in the SEC standings.
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MORE: How Mississippi State athletics made a profit for first time since 2022
Chris Jans record at Mississippi State
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2022-23: 21-13 (NCAA Tournament First Four)
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2023-24: 21-14 (NCAA Tournament first round)
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2024-25: 21-13 (NCAA Tournament first round)
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2025-26: 12-13
Chris Jans buyout
If Mississippi State fired Jans without cause, it would owe him 60% of his remaining salary. The buyout would be at least $11.4 million as of April 1. Jans received an automatic extension after last season, but his current contract does not state his salary for the 2029-30 season.
If Jans were to leave for another program or resign, he would owe Mississippi State $4.25 million.
Chris Jans contract, salary details
Jans is under contract through the 2029-30 season. He receives an automatic one-year extension and $100,000 raise for each NCAA Tournament appearance. That clause triggered for the first time after last season.
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Jans makes $4.4 million in 2025-26, which is $50,000 more than MSU football coach Jeff Lebby's salary.
Jans' salary increases by $100,000 annually through the 2027-28 season. Then, his salary, according to his Bulldog Club contract, is slated to jump to $5.45 million in 2028-29, but that could be to offset his IHL contract, which legally cannot be longer than four years.
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_ .
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Chris Jans on hot seat? Mississippi State coach's buyout, contract
