Tarleton State reinstates coach Billy Gillispie after internal investigation

Tarleton State has reinstated head coach Billy Gillispie, effective immediately, the program announced on Monday. Gillispie was previously placed on administrative leave amid an internal investigation.

“Tarleton State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Steve Uryasz announced Monday that the Texas A&M System has concluded its employee conduct review. Tarleton State Men’s Basketball head coach Billy Gillispie has been reinstated, effective immediately,” the press release reads.
 
“‘We’re thankful to the Texas A&M System for working expeditiously in addressing this anonymous complaint,” Uryasz said. “The welfare of our student-athletes is of the utmost importance to Tarleton State University and the Texas A&M System. We look forward to the start of the Texan Men’s Basketball season.'”

Assistant coach Glynn Cyprien was set to take over as acting head coach in the wake of his suspension. However, it appears the investigation wrapped up swiftly once the suspension was revealed.

The university was investigating an anonymous complaint made on Gillispie. However, no specific allegations have surfaced regarding what the investigation was about.

Gillispie is no stranger to controversy during his career. During his tenure at Texas Tech, Gillispie faced allegations regarding player mistreatment between 2011 and 2012. He resigned in Sept 2012 before the season, though he cited health reasons for why he stepped away. One month before, the school announced that he was under investigation for the allegations.

As the head coach at Kentucky, questions arose regarding treatment of players, his staff and his coaching style before being unceremoniously fired in 2009. AD Mitch Barnhart said that Gillispie “wasn’t the right fit for the program” at the time.

Still, Gillispie led the Wildcats to a 40-27 record over his two seasons in charge. He was named SEC Coach of the Year in 2007-08 for his services and led UK to the NCAA Tournament after opening the season with a 6-7 record. However, the Wildcats failed to make the tournament in 2009 and he was let go.

Gillispie has now spent the last five seasons at Tarleton State. This is the longest tenure heading a Division I program for the former Texas A&M and UTEP head coach. He’s led Tarleton State to a 78-74 record over five seasons. His best season saw him lead his team to a 25-10 record during the 2023-24 season, resulting in a CIT appearance. His team finished with a 12-20 record last year.