Frank Martin has led Kansas State to three straight NCAA Tournament Appearances.
Is Frank Martin leaving Kansas State? Reuters

Kansas State coach Frank Martin is expected to take the vacant South Carolina head coach position, according to multiple reports.

The State, a newspaper in South Carolina, first reported that Martin will be introduced as the team's coach on Tuesday. The media outlet reported that South Carolina trustees were called to meet to discuss a contractual matter, which is believed to be Martin's contract.

That report was verified by the Kansas City Star and Colin Dunlap, a radio host at 93.7 the Fan in Pittsburgh. CBS Sports' Gary Parrish reported early Monday that while Martin was expected to meet with Gamecocks officials on Monday, the deal wasn't done yet.

A source, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the AAU basketball scene was abuzz with news that Martin had agreed to leave Kansas State. He said this has already prompted Kansas State commit Robert Upshaw to look around at other programs.

Martin would replace Darrin Horn, who was dismissed after four seasons at the school. South Carolina landing Martin would be quite the coup for a school that has only been to the NCAA Tournament once since 1999. Shortly after news broke that Martin could be headed to South Carolina, he became a trending topic on Twitter and Yahoo.

Since taking over from Bob Huggins at Kansas State in 2007, Martin has shown an ability to recruit at a high level and consistently led the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament. Martin has led Kansas State to the Big Dance four out of five seasons, but has reportedly butted heads with athletic director John Currie.

Those disagreements plus the remote locale of Manhattan, Kan. could be the forces driving Martin to South Carolina, but it's still a decision that could generate a lot of questions. The competition level in the SEC isn't easier than the Big 12, especially with the additions of Missouri and Texas A&M, plus he has no natural connections to the school or state.