A ‘Legendary Career’: Gary Patterson Inducted into College Football Ha

Gary Patterson, TCU Football's most successful coach, has been inducted into the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot. Patterson's coaching career spanned 43 years across 13 programs, with 24 years dedicated to TCU. Under his leadership, TCU achieved a 181-79 record, transitioning from Conference USA to the Mountain West and eventually the Big 12. His teams secured 11 final AP Top 25 rankings, including a No. 2 ranking in 2010 and No. 3 in 2014, and made 18 bowl appearances, highlighted by a victory in the 2011 Rose Bowl. Known as a top defensive coach, Patterson mentored Heisman Trophy finalists Andy Dalton, Trevone Boykin, and Max Duggan. He also co-founded The Big Good Foundation, raising over $5 million for education and health initiatives in Fort Worth. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on December 8, 202