Billy Gillispie gets contract extension at Tarleton State

Even though he has missed the majority of the season due to medical issues, Billy Gillispie is staying put at Tarleton State. The Texans announced this morning they are extending Gillispie’s contract by two seasons.

Tarleton State is 22-7 this season, 15-3 in WAC play. Joseph Jones has been acting as head coach since Gillispie stepped aside in mid-November due to “medical circumstances.” Gillispie was cleared to return to the sideline on Feb. 1 but has elected to stay behind the scenes in an advisory role. Tarleton State is riding a 10-game winning streak that includes a win over Grand Canyon and is projected to be a No. 2 seed in the WAC Tournament. This is the Texans’ final season of transitioning to Division I, therefore they are not eligible for the NCAA Tournament.

“I’m thankful and grateful of being offered this extension,” Gillispie in a press release. “When we came here our goal was to get Tarleton State University to the NCAA Tournament and now we will have that opportunity.”

“I’m also extremely appreciative of the caring support, patience, and prayers that Dr. Hurley, coach Reisman, our fans, friends, the staff, and especially the players have shown during my absence to address my medical situation which has now been resolved,” Gillispie added. “I have no restrictions but will remain in an advisory role for the rest of the season as our team is having a historic season. It’s been a joy to watch coach Joseph Jones and the staff lead the great young men to unprecedented heights and provide infinite excitement. I have never seen anyone do a better job. It’s not over yet though as ‘March Madness’ is in full swing. Go Texans.”

Gillispie took the job at Tarleton State ahead of the 2020-21 season. Next season marks his fifth as the head coach of the Texans, marking his longest tenure at a Division I school. In addition to Kentucky (2007-09), Gillispie previously coached at UTEP (2002-04), Texas A&M (2004-07), and Texas Tech (2011-12).