Billy Gillispie resigns as Texas Tech basketball coach

Billy Gillispie has resigned as Texas Tech basketball coach. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Embattled Texas Tech basketball coach Billy Gillispie has resigned according to a statement released by the school.

"Billy has decided to focus on his health and we wish him a full recovery," athletic director Kirby 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."

The move comes less than a week after Gillispie returned to Lubbock after spending less than 72 hours -- reportedly being treated for high blood pressure and stress -- at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Gillispie later texted reporters saying that doctors had instructed him to take 30 stress-free days.

Multiple university sources told RedRaiderSports.com Friday that Gillispie caught Tech officials off guard by returning to Lubbock Friday evening, less than five hours after telling athletic director Kirby Hocutt that he was still undergoing tests at the Mayo Clinic.

Gillispie, 52, reported health issues on the same day news surfaced that Texas Tech players had complained to Hocutt of mistreatment and NCAA rules violations.

Hocutt recently said Gillispie was no longer involved with the day-to-day operations of the team and ordered him“not to engage” the basketball program “in any way” until the two could meet. Gillispie has since been unavailable to meet with Hocutt.

Gillispie's further actions did not include communicating with Texas Tech officials.

According to multiple sources, Gillispie did not notify Tech after he left UMC on Sept. 6 and ignored multiple calls from university officials after it was discovered that he was no longer in the hospital.