Billy Gillispie Resigns

Per Texas Tech Release:

Texas Tech Head Men's Basketball Coach Billy Gillispie has submitted his letter of resignation to Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt, citing health concerns as his reason for leaving the men's basketball program. Hocutt has accepted the resignation.

"Billy has decided to focus on his health and we wish him a full recovery," Hocutt said. "We are proud of the young men that he has brought to this campus. Billy's decision allows him to concentrate on his well-being and allows us to turn our attention to preparations for the upcoming season."

Gillispie, who was named head coach on March 20, 2011, will be paid for the remainder of this contract year that runs until April 30, 2013.

Chris Walker, associate head coach, will continue to handle day-to-day operations of the men's basketball program until an interim head coach for the 2012-13 season has been identified.
Gillispie was the head basketball coach for only one season before accusations against him began surfacing, accusations Gillispie forced players to practice injured and longer than NCAA rules allow.

Following those initial accusations, on August 31, Gillispie was taken by paramedics to UMC with high blood pressure. He stayed there in satisfactory condition for six days before finally being released.

All the while, Texas Tech investigating the accusations made against the coach. Then just days later, on September 11,  another 911 phone call was made from Gillispie's home -- though it was never confirmed who called, but Gillispie was not taken to the hospital.

Around that time, Texas Tech's Atheltic Director Kibry Hocutt naming associate head coach, Chris Walker, as the acting head coach... and said Gillispie would not be involved in any day-to-day decisions or activities with the basketball team.

Then just last week, Gillispie left Lubbock for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he would stay for two days of testing before returning to Lubbock Friday night.

Doctors at the Mayo Clinic ordered Gillispie to avoid stress for 30 days to help lower his blood pressure, and in text messages, Gillispie confirmed he'd been treated for kidney problems and headaches.

The basketball team begins practice on October 12.