TCU honors ex-coach Gary Patterson at halftime; fans discuss his impact
Gary Patterson was one of eight TCU legends enshrined into the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame on Thursday, and the team honored them at halftime of the team’s rivalry game against SMU on Saturday.
Patterson and the seven other Hall of Fame inductees were all announced and honored in the end zone, and the former coach received the largest cheer. Patterson clapped, pumped his fist, made the “Go Frogs” gesture and motioned toward his heart during a standing ovation.
Patterson coached TCU for parts of 22 seasons and finished his career with a 181-79 record, winning two AP Coach of the Year Awards and leading the team to an undefeated season in 2010 that ended with a dramatic Rose Bowl victory.
His 181 wins are the most all-time by a TCU head coach, and only one other coach, Dutch Meyer with 109, has ever broken the 100-win threshold with the Horned Frogs.
Before the game, fans shared their favorite memories and moments of Patterson’s time with TCU.
Jay Leonard’s time as a TCU student coincided with the start of Patterson’s career.
“When he came here in ‘98, I was a freshman. He was a defensive coordinator coming in from New Mexico, and so my entire collegiate career had a Gary Patterson feel to it,” Leonard said. “He’s the coach that I represent most with here, just because we started at the same time. He was the guy that got us wins after [Dennis] Franchione left, through the WAC into the Big 12. Without him, we wouldn’t be where we are right now. He is instrumental. He is the foundation.”
Frank Franks had a special connection with Patterson, as his father, Bert, was a team doctor during Patterson’s tenure until 2007. He said his father enjoyed working with Patterson.
“He admired his expertise, his ability to put kids in position, and all they had to do is make the play,” Frank Franks said. “I think he admired the way [Patterson] felt that there was something that, besides football, it was very important to him that he was on [the players] to go to class, take care of their moms or dads. And so I think he admired it a lot.”
Jeb Bradshaw said his favorite Patterson memory came in the coach's first game after replacing Franchione, who had left to become head coach at Alabama. The Horned Frogs lost to Southern Miss 28-21 in the Mobile Alabama Bowl, but Patterson was on his way.
“I just have a memory of a not-so-pleasant ballgame in Mobile after Franchione had announced he was leaving, and you know, who’s this Gary Patterson guy, and what’s he gonna do?” Bradshaw said. “I mean, the rest is history. It’s been a good run. He’s a legacy in this town.”
This story was originally published September 20, 2025 at 2:11 PM.
