Texan Men's Basketball head coach Billy Gillispie has been placed on temporary administrative leave.

7 Startling Facts Behind Tarleton State Coach Billy Gillispie’s Administrative Leave

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7 Startling Facts Behind Tarleton State Coach Billy Gillispie’s Administrative Leave

Tarleton State coach Billy Gillispie has been placed on temporary administrative leave amid an anonymous complaint. Discover the full background, past controversies, and what this means for the Texans’ program now. Tarleton State University stunned the college basketball world when it announced that Billy Gillispie, the men’s basketball head coach, has been placed on temporary administrative leave as the university investigates an anonymous employee complaint. The university says that the Texas A&M University System initiated a conduct review and that no further comments will be made while the investigation proceeds. (Tarleton State University Athletics)

This development is just the latest chapter in a storied — and often controversial — coaching career. In this article, we dig into the circumstances, his past issues, the possible ramifications for Tarleton State, and what to watch going forward. The main keyword, Tarleton State coach Billy Gillispie on leave, will appear organically throughout this post to help readers and search engines alike grasp the gravity of this story.

Billy Gillispie is facing consequences.

    1. What Triggered the Leave of the Billy Gillispie

On October 3, 2025, Tarleton State issued a statement that Gillispie would be placed on temporary administrative leave while an employee conduct review is conducted by the Texas A&M University System, following reception of an anonymous complaint. (Tarleton State University Athletics)

  • The nature of the complaint was not disclosed.
  • There is no timeline given for how long the investigation might last. (ESPN.com)
  • During the leave, Associate Head Coach Glynn Cyprien will step in as Acting Head Coach. (Tarleton State University Athletics)
  • Per university policy, Tarleton State Athletics “will not comment further on the ongoing university personnel matter.” (Tarleton State University Athletics)

As it stands, this is an internal personnel issue, and the university is treading carefully in public disclosures.

2. Gillispie’s Tenure at Tarleton State: Performance & Context

2.1 Transition to Division I

  • Gillispie was hired on March 30, 2020, to help Tarleton transition from Division II to Division I in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). (Wikipedia)
  • The 2024–25 season was one of adjustment: the Texans finished 12–20 (7–9 WAC). (Wikipedia)
  • In the 2025–26 season, Tarleton will move into the new EECU Center, leaving behind their longtime home court, Wisdom Gym. (Wikipedia)

2.2 Records & Highlights

  • Through part of his tenure at Tarleton, Gillispie was 78–74 in overall record. (ESPN.com)
  • In the 2023–24 season, the Texans went 25–10 and made a CIT appearance. (Wikipedia)
  • Overall, in 13 seasons as a Division I head coach, Gillispie has compiled 226–182 with four NCAA tournament appearances. (ESPN.com)
  • His six-year stint at Tarleton is now the longest he has held a head coaching position at a single program. (ESPN.com)

Given this background, Gillispie had both opportunity and pressure in Stephenville to prove he could stabilize a transitioning program — but now, his leave injects serious uncertainty.

3. The Controversial History of Billy Gillispie

To understand the severity of this leave, it helps to revisit Gillispie’s controversial past, which has often overshadowed his on-court successes.

3.1 Texas Tech: Player Mistreatment Allegations

  • During his stint at Texas Tech (2011–12), multiple players and staff alleged that Gillispie had forced injured athletes into practice, mismanaged scholarships, and exceeded NCAA practice limits. (ESPN.com)
  • Some reports claimed that injured players were made to stay in training rooms from early morning until late at night without rest. (Chron)
  • In September 2012, he resigned, citing health concerns, roughly a month after the school had begun investigating those complaints. (ESPN.com)

3.2 Kentucky: Fit, Treatment & Settlement

  • Gillispie served two seasons as coach of Kentucky (2007–09). He was fired in 2009, with Kentucky’s athletic director contending he “wasn’t the right fit for the program” amid questions about how he treated players and departmental staff. (ESPN.com)
  • Later that year, Gillispie and Kentucky reached a $3 million settlement over his dismissal. (ESPN.com)

3.3 Ranger College, Health Issues & Forfeited Wins

  • Gillispie returned to coaching at Ranger College, his alma mater, starting in 2015. However, his 2015–16 team forfeited 31 wins after being found to have used an ineligible player. (Chron)
  • He took a brief retirement, citing severe health issues like blood pressure abnormalities, but later returned. (Wikipedia)
  • During his time at Texas Tech, he had episodes of hospitalization related to heart concerns shortly after the mistreatment allegations surfaced. (Wikipedia)

Given this history, any new complaint carries heightened scrutiny both from media and the public.

4. Possible Scenarios & Implications for Tarleton State

While we don’t know the details of the complaint, past context and institutional norms allow us to explore possible outcomes and consequences.

4.1 Investigation Outcomes

  1. Exoneration: The review might find insufficient evidence, and Gillispie may return to the bench.
  2. Disciplinary Action: Sanctions such as suspension, probation, or mandatory training could follow.
  3. Termination: If misconduct is found serious and irreversible, the university may sever its relationship.
  4. Settlement: Like Kentucky, Tarleton might negotiate a buyout or settlement.

4.2 Effect on Recruiting & Program Stability

  • Recruiting impact: Prospective players may hesitate to commit while leadership is uncertain.
  • Team morale: Current players may feel unsettled, especially mid-season or during tryouts.
  • Institutional reputation: Tarleton’s transparency and handling of the case will reflect on the athletics department.
  • Coaching search: If Gillispie is dismissed, Tarleton must find a replacement who can maintain continuity and credibility.

4.3 Role of Acting Head Coach Glynn Cyprien

Cyprien is a veteran assistant, having coached at UNLV, Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Kentucky, Memphis, Texas Tech, among others. (ESPN.com)

  • Stepping in now, Cyprien’s decisions will be crucial: staffing choices, player buy-in, handling media, and bridging the uncertainty gap.
  • If Gillispie departs, internal continuity might give Cyprien a shot at the permanent job — or serve as interim until a new hire arrives.

5. Key Takeaways & What to Watch

5.1 What We Know Now

5.2 What to Monitor

  • University statements: Any future updates from Tarleton or Texas A&M may reveal the nature of the complaint.
  • Media leaks or player/staff comments: Anonymous insiders could offer clearer insight.
  • Coaching decisions: How Cyprien handles the interim role may signal who the school trusts long term.
  • Legal or settlement actions: Given Gillispie’s past, legal teams and settlements are not unlikely.
  • Recruiting fallout: Watch transfer portal movement and freshman signings over the coming weeks.

The sudden administrative leave of Billy Gillispie places Tarleton State men’s basketball at a crossroads. With a long and turbulent career behind him, Gillispie now faces a new challenge. For a program in transition, recruiting momentum, culture, and leadership continuity are all on the line.

As the investigation unfolds, the key will be how Tarleton handles transparency, protects its athletes, and ensures program stability. Whether Gillispie returns, departs, or cedes control long-term, this episode will leave a lasting mark on his legacy — and on Texan basketball.

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