Former Texas A&M Coach Billy Gillispie Finalizing Two-Year Deal With Tarleton State

Former Texas A&M Aggies basketball coach Billy Gillispie is finalizing a two-year deal with Tarleton State.

According to reports from ESPN's Pete Thamel, former Texas A&M Aggies head basketball coach Billy Gillispie is finalizing a two-year deal to continue coaching the men's basketball team at Tarleton State. 

Pending board approval, the agreement extends Gillispie's tenure, which began in the 2020-21 season. 

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During his time at Texas A&M from 2004-2007, Gillispie earned a reputation as an outstanding recruiter, crafting four straight top-25 recruiting classes. Additionally, under his leadership, the Aggies achieved a remarkable milestone of three consecutive 20-win seasons, a first in the program's history.

Gillispie has been on medical leave with Tarelton Station since November 14, although he has been cleared to return since February 1. Despite being medically cleared, he has chosen not to coach during games out of respect for acting coach Joseph Jones.

Jones, a former player under Gillispie at Texas A&M, has guided Tarleton State to a successful season, currently holding a 22-7 overall record and a 15-3 conference record. 

The team is currently on a 10-game winning streak and is projected as the No. 2 seed in the upcoming WAC tournament. Jones is considered a strong candidate to succeed Gillispie in the future.

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Gillispie, 64, remains involved with the program behind the scenes in an advisory capacity.

Unfortunately, Gillispie's health challenges have lingered throughout his coaching career. He notably resigned from Texas Tech in 2012 due to health concerns. Before his resignation, he was hospitalized and described as experiencing symptoms resembling a stroke or heart attack by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

In 2017, he received a diagnosis of kidney failure and subsequently underwent a kidney transplant.