Gary Patterson steps down as TCU head coach

Gary Patterson, one of the longest-tenured coaches in college football, is stepping aside at TCU.

According to multiple reports, Patterson and TCU have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately. Bruce Feldman of The Athletic reported that TCU had wanted Patterson to stay on for the rest of the season, but he refused.

Patterson has been a mainstay at TCU. The Horned Frogs were just entering Conference USA when he became head coach in 2000, and it’s safe to say they would not have risen to the Big 12 without his guidance. He departs with a 181-79 record as TCU coach, including a 13-0 season in 2010 that ended with a Rose Bowl victory. TCU’s fortunes had declined in recent seasons, and the Horned Frogs are just 3-5 so far in 2021.

The 61-year-old has been the subject of retirement rumors for some time, although he’s had a great way of refuting them in years past. This time, it sounds like Patterson is ready to step aside, although it remains to be seen if this is a break or a permanent retirement.