TCU fans (yours truly included), can breathe a small sigh of relief before the stress of football season begins. TCU director of intercollegiate athletics Chris Del Conte announced today that head football coach Gary Patterson has signed a contract extension to 2022. Patterson is the third-longest tenured FBS coach in the nation.
Patterson, the Horned Frogs' all-time winningest coach (who was officially immortalized with a statue this year) enters his 16th season as head coach and 19th with the program this year. Many speculated that the 2015 season was his most impressive yet, posting a 10-2 regular season record despite losing nine defensive starters. Leading TCU from the Mountain West into the Big 12 marks one of Patterson's greatest accomplishments. In the last two years in the Big 12, the Horned Frogs have a combined record of 15-3.
“Gary Patterson is synonymous with TCU and Fort Worth,” Del Conte said. “His value to our community goes beyond the football field. It's obviously a great day for our Horned Frogs Family when Coach Patterson reiterates that TCU and Fort Worth are his home!"
The 2016 season kicks off in 25 days when TCU takes on South Dakota State at home. The next weekend the Horned Frogs host Arkansas at Amon G. Carter stadium in a much-anticipated BIG 12 vs SEC matchup.