Just stirring it up: TCU coach Gary Patterson explains response to “retirement” rumors
TCU coach Gary Patterson doesn’t have a timetable on when he may retire. But it’s not going to be after this season.
Patterson made that much clear with a Twitter post on Sunday, calling out recruiters who are trying to use his age – he’s only 58! – against him to land possible prospects.
After thanking TCU faithful who watched the Frogs’ 16-9 victory over Baylor in person or on TV, Patterson wrote: “To all the recruiters out there who are saying I am retiring after Oklahoma State so our commits would visit you, you aren’t that lucky! Go Frogs!”
Patterson talked about the post, which has been retweeted more than 600 times and liked by more than 3,600 people, during Monday’s Big 12 football coaches teleconference. He said he was just stirring it up.
“I had a couple high school coaches tell me that was being said,” Patterson said. “If it’s an assistant coach saying it, it’s one thing. If it’s a head coach saying it, it’s another thing. No big deal. I just wanted them to know that I knew.”
Patterson then talked about how much longer he’d like to coach. He’s the second-longest tenured head coach in the FBS, trailing only Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz.
“Well, I want to coach as long as I enjoy the game,” Patterson said. “Hopefully Saturday looked like I still enjoyed the game.”
Patterson pointed to his passion for the game as why he’s remained the play-caller on defense. He doesn’t seem interested in becoming a walk-around head coach.
“Some days it’s the only thing you like about being a head coach is the game, practice and all those kinds of things,” Patterson said. “If I ever get to the point where I think I hurt the program, they won’t have to tell me.”
Patterson is in his 18th season as head coach, and has won 165 games. Patterson will be looking to avoid just the third season his team has failed to reach a bowl game.
TCU will go for win No. 6 in the regular-season finale against Oklahoma State on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
This story was originally published November 19, 2018 at 2:31 PM.