Tarleton State reinstates coach Billy Gillispie after conduct review

Field Level Media|published: Mon 6th October, 19:37 2025

NCAA Basketball: Tarleton State at Baylor

Dec 6, 2022; Waco, Texas, USA; Tarleton Texans head coach Billy Gillispie reacts to a call against the Baylor Bears during the first half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Tarleton State reinstated men's basketball coach Billy Gillispie from administrative leave after finishing an employee conduct review, the school announced Monday.

"We're thankful to the Texas A&M System for working expeditiously in addressing this anonymous complaint," Tarleton State athletic director Steve 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."

There was no statement from Gillispie included in the release.

Gillispie was placed on administrative leave Friday while the school began an investigation into an anonymous complaint about him.

Gillispie, 65, has come under fire for his coaching style before. In September 2012, he resigned after one season at Texas Tech due to health concerns after facing allegations of player mistreatment.

Gillispie has compiled a 78-74 record since joining Tarleton State in 2020-21. He led the Texans to a 25-10 mark in 2023-24 but slipped to 12-20 last season.

Overall, he is 226-182 across 13 seasons at UTEP (2002-04), Texas A&M (2004-07), Kentucky (2007-09), Texas Tech (2011-12) and Tarleton State. His teams have reached the NCAA Tournament four times.

--Field Level Media

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