Tarleton State assistant coach Steve Shields has departed the men’s basketball staff. The coaching veteran was in his first season at with Billy Gillispie at Tarleton.

Shields, who was the head coach at the University of Arkansas Little Rock from 2003-15, will be returning to the area as he will become the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of North Little Rock.

The 2004 Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year spent time at Missouri and Southern Miss following his departure from Little Rock.

No word yet on a mid-season replacement at Tarleton.