College Station, TX – Texas A&M men's head basketball coach Billy Kennedy is taking a medical leave of absence due to early stages of Parkinson's disease.
"Through testing, it has been discovered that I am dealing with an early stage of Parkinson's disease," Kennedy said in a statement. "At this time, I am heeding the advice of my doctors and addressing the disease and its symptoms. We have begun a long-term treatment plan and recovery. My doctors are encouraged and are telling me I will be able to come back soon."
Assistant coach Glynn Cyprien will take over as head coach until Kennedy returns.
Kennedy is in his first year with the Aggies after former head coach Mark Turgeon took over for the retired Gary Williams at Maryland. Turgeon led the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament every season, but could not advance further than the round of 32.
The 47-year-old Kennedy led Murray State to a 107-53 record over the last five seasons and has a 211-179 head coaching record overall between Centenary, Southeastern Louisiana and Murray State. He received the Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year Award in 2010 and 2011.
Kennedy led Murray State to the NCAA Tournament in 2010, where his team upset fourth-seeded Vanderbilt 66-65 in the opening round before suffering a 54-52 defeat by the eventual national runner-up Butler in their next contest.
He was an assistant coach for Texas A&M during the 1990-1991 season.
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