Gary Patterson, American football player and coach

Gary Allen Patterson, born on February 13, 1960, is a highly respected American football coach and former player, renowned for his significant contributions to collegiate football. Widely celebrated for his transformative tenure at Texas Christian University (TCU), he currently leverages his extensive experience and strategic acumen as the special assistant to the head coach at the University of Texas.

Gary Patterson's Enduring Legacy at TCU

Patterson's most impactful role was as the head football coach at Texas Christian University (TCU), a position he held for 22 seasons from 2000 to 2021. During this remarkable period, he established himself as the undisputed winningest coach in the history of the Horned Frogs program, accumulating an impressive 181 victories. His leadership transformed TCU from a regional competitor into a consistent national contender, fundamentally elevating the program's profile and success.

A Dynasty of Conference Titles and Bowl Triumphs

Under Patterson's astute leadership, the TCU Horned Frogs consistently challenged for and secured conference supremacy. He guided the team to a remarkable six conference championships, showcasing the program's adaptability and dominance across different leagues:

• 2002 Conference USA (C-USA) Title: This victory marked a significant turning point for the program, demonstrating their rising power within a competitive conference.
• Mountain West Conference (MWC) Titles: Patterson led TCU to four dominant championships in the Mountain West Conference in 2005, 2009, 2010, and 2011. During this era, the Horned Frogs became one of the nation's premier "non-automatic qualifying" (non-AQ) teams in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) system, frequently contending for highly coveted BCS bowl berths.

Beyond conference play, Patterson's teams excelled in the postseason, achieving a total of eleven bowl game victories. Two of these stand out as landmark achievements for the program, highlighting their ability to perform on the grandest stages:

• 2011 Rose Bowl Victory: In a historic clash on New Year's Day 2011, Patterson's undefeated 2010 squad secured a thrilling 21–19 win over the formidable Wisconsin Badgers. This triumph in "The Granddaddy of Them All" was a monumental moment for a program outside the traditional power conferences, solidifying their place among the nation's elite.
• 2014 Peach Bowl Victory: Patterson led the Horned Frogs to another major bowl victory, further showcasing the program's enduring strength and ability to compete successfully against top-tier opponents.

The Undefeated 2010 Season: A Near National Championship

Perhaps the pinnacle of Patterson's coaching career at TCU was the extraordinary 2010 season. His Horned Frogs squad achieved an immaculate 13–0 undefeated record, a testament to their exceptional talent, rigorous preparation, and strategic coaching. Their perfect season culminated in the memorable 2011 Rose Bowl victory. This remarkable performance propelled TCU to finish second in the final standings of both major polls – the Associated Press (AP) Poll and the Coaches Poll – solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the nation and narrowly missing out on a national championship opportunity during the BCS era. This achievement underscored Patterson's unique ability to build and sustain a program capable of competing at the highest level of college football.

Transition to the University of Texas

Following his impactful tenure at TCU, Gary Patterson transitioned to a new role, becoming the special assistant to the head coach at the University of Texas. In this capacity, he brings his wealth of experience, strategic insights, and renowned defensive acumen to support the Longhorns' coaching staff, contributing significantly to their program development and on-field strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gary Patterson

What is Gary Patterson's current role in college football?

Gary Patterson currently serves as the special assistant to the head coach at the University of Texas, where he contributes his extensive experience and strategic insights to the coaching staff.

How long was Gary Patterson the head coach at TCU?

Gary Patterson was the head football coach at Texas Christian University (TCU) for 22 seasons, from 2000 to 2021, becoming the most successful coach in the program's history.

What is Gary Patterson's record as TCU's head coach?

He is the winningest coach in Horned Frogs' history, achieving an impressive 181 victories during his tenure at TCU.

Which major bowl games did TCU win under Gary Patterson?

Under Gary Patterson, TCU secured significant bowl victories, including the historic 2011 Rose Bowl and the 2014 Peach Bowl, among a total of eleven bowl wins.

Did Gary Patterson's TCU team ever complete an undefeated season?

Yes, the 2010 TCU Horned Frogs, led by Gary Patterson, finished the season undefeated with a perfect 13–0 record, culminating in a memorable Rose Bowl victory and a final ranking of second in both major national polls.