Texas Tech Athletics, before Noon today, made the official announcement that Billy Gillispie has been named the new head coach for Texas Tech Red Raider Basketball.

Gillispie and Texas Tech have agreed to a five-year contract and an official press conference will occur Wednesday morning at 10am at the United Spirit Arena.

"I am very excited to welcome Billy Clyde Gillispie to Texas Tech," said director of athletics Kirby Hocutt. "Over the past two weeks I have had the opportunity to spend significant time with Billy and I am absolutely confident that he will lead our basketball program back to the national spotlight while positively representing our university. There are exciting years ahead for Red Raider basketball."

Gillispie's coaching history includes stops at Texas A&M, UTEP and Kentucky as head coach, and at South Plains College and Baylor as an assistant.

Now-former Texas Tech Red Raider Basketball head coach, Pat Knight, endorsed Gillispie in his final press conference with Texas Tech:

"I think Billy would be great," Knight said. "Billy and I are friends. Bill can recruit Texas. He's got a personality, as everyone knows.

"Plus, you know he's not going to hammer you when he gets the job. That's what I hate, when guys take over the job and hammer the ex-coach. Hopefully, it's a guy I know who is one of my buddies.

"No, I think he would be a great choice."

"It is a great honor to be selected as the basketball coach at Texas Tech University," remarked Gillispie. "I am very appreciative of athletics director Kirby Hocutt, President Bailey (Guy) and Chancellor Hance (Kent) for allowing me the opportunity to lead this program. Texas Tech is a great school that is located in a great community and is part of one of the toughest conferences in the country. I can't wait to get started."

Story courtesy of Robert Snyder from SportsRadio 1340 The Fan

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