Gary Patterson is stepping away from his position as a special assistant to Texas coach Steve Sarkisian after one season.
Patterson confirmed his decision to The Dallas Morning News in a text message Thursday evening. The news was first reported by 247Sports.
The longtime TCU coach had spent the past year as a consultant and a sounding board to Sarkisian. Patterson indicated that while he would like to help college football on a large scale, “but right now it’s just spending time with family.”
During Patterson’s one season, Texas improved from 5-7 to 8-5. The defense, Patterson’s specialty throughout his coaching career, improved from 100th nationally in 2021 to 54th this past season. The Longhorns allowed 53.3 yards less per game more than 1 yard less per play (6.03 to 4.94).
Patterson was back in the spotlight late in the season with TCU made a run to the College Football Playoff championship game with many players that Patterson had recruited, including Heisman runner-up Max Duggan, cornerback Tre Hodges-Tomlinson running back Kendre Miller and receiver Quentin Johnston.
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In an interview with the Morning News in early January, Patterson credited new TCU coach Sonny Dykes but also noted the talent on the roster.
“You knew they could play, that they had the athletic ability to play,” Patterson said. “Sonny and his group have done a great job of turning it on and getting it to the point where there’s positivity and then these kids start believing. What I’m trying to do is try not to bang my chest. That’s the biggest thing I’m staying away from.”
While Patterson has praised Sarkisian – and vice versa – his decision to exit Texas is not exactly a surprise. He said he was undecided about a return in the January interview and said was hoping for a job that would help him contribute to college football.
He did note the improvement at Texas.
“Anybody who thought I was washed up as coach all they needed to do was look at a lot of different areas in how I tried to help Texas,” Patterson said. “We probably played TCU as good on defense as anybody did. There’s a reason why everything happens.”
Twitter: @ChuckCarltonDMN
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