Texas Tech men’s basketball head coach Billy Gillispie has submitted his letter of resignation to Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt, citing health concerns as his reason for leaving the program.

"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’s decision to resign comes at the end of a strange stretch of three weeks, which began with allegations of player mistreatment and violations of the NCAA rules regarding practice time.

His tenure with the Red Raider men’s basketball program ends abruptly after only 18th months on the job following his hiring March 20, 2011.

Gillispie will be paid for the remainder of this contract year that expires April 30, 2013.

Associate head coach Chris Walker will continue to handle the programs day-to-day operations until an interim coach has been named.

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