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Stephenville Today
By the People, for the People
Tarleton State Parting Ways with Coach Billy Gillispie
Gillispie will not return as head coach after extended absence due to health issues.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Tarleton State University announced on Friday that head basketball coach Billy Gillispie will not return next season. Gillispie has been away from the team for over a month due to medical issues related to his heart, blood pressure, and kidney transplant from 2018. Assistant coach Glenn Cyprien has been serving as the acting head coach during Gillispie's absence.
Why it matters
Gillispie was hired by Tarleton State in 2020 as the school was transitioning to Division I basketball. He had a 92-89 record in his tenure, but his health issues have forced him to step away from the team. This marks the latest challenge in Gillispie's coaching career, which has included stints at high-profile programs like Kentucky and Texas Tech.
The details
Gillispie, 66, told The Dallas Morning News earlier this month that he has been dealing with heart and blood pressure issues that have plagued him for years. He had a kidney transplant in 2018, but said his kidney is currently fine. Gillispie was previously the head coach at UTEP, Texas A&M, Kentucky, and Texas Tech, but has faced accusations of player mistreatment and had a brief retirement due to health concerns.
- Gillispie stepped away from the team in mid-January 2026.
- Cyprien was named acting head coach on January 30, 2026.
The players
Billy Gillispie
The 66-year-old former head coach of Tarleton State University's basketball team, who has dealt with various health issues including heart problems, high blood pressure, and a kidney transplant in recent years.
Glenn Cyprien
The acting head coach of the Tarleton State basketball team since Gillispie stepped away in January 2026.
What they’re saying
“I was dealing with heart and blood-pressure issues that have plagued me for years.”
— Billy Gillispie (The Dallas Morning News)
What’s next
Tarleton State will now begin the search for a new permanent head coach for their Division I basketball program.
The takeaway
Gillispie's health issues have derailed what was a promising coaching career, marked by quick rebuilding jobs at several high-profile programs. This latest setback underscores the challenges coaches can face when dealing with serious medical conditions.
