TCU Football’s winningest coach in program history was named to the 2026 class of the College Football Hall of Fame. Inducted his first year on the ballot, Gary Patterson’s coaching career spans 13 programs and 43 years, including 24 at TCU.

“For more than 20 years, coach Gary Patterson was the force that drove Horned Frog football to championship success,” said TCU Chancellor Daniel W. Pullin. “We are grateful for his years as head coach and his mentorship to hundreds of student-athletes in Fort Worth, the many thrilling seasons and his lasting contributions to the rise of TCU Athletics. Gary’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is a well-earned celebration of a legendary career.”

A transformational leader as TCU’s head coach for 22 seasons, Patterson compiled a 181-79 career record as he led the Horned Frogs from Conference USA to the Mountain West and then to the Big 12.

His teams combined for 11 final AP Top 25 rankings, including seven top 10 finishes, a No. 2 ranking in 2010 and a No. 3 ranking in 2014. Eighteen bowl appearances included the 2011 Rose Bowl, a victory that marked the program’s first-ever appearance in a Bowl Championship Series game.

Regarded as one of the nation’s preeminent defensive coaches during his career, he also mentored Heisman Trophy finalists Andy Dalton, Trevone Boykin and Max Duggan.

Beyond the field, Patterson co-founded The Big Good Foundation with Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Bridges, raising more than $5 million to support education, children’s health and workforce readiness in Fort Worth.

The 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will officially be inducted during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8, 2026, at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

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