Gary Patterson Out at TCU; Won’t Coach Saturday Against No. 14 Baylor

After 21 years, TCU has “mutually parted ways” with Gary Patterson. Here’s TCU’s statement:

This isn’t too shocking. If you check the TCU message boards, the faithful have long wanted him gone. TCU expects to be in Baylor’s position—contending for conference titles—and the Frogs haven’t been there in a while.

I’m a bit perplexed that TCU had to fire Patterson to possibly win the Sonny Dykes sweepstakes. The SMU head coach has done well there, but he got fired at Cal. Maybe he’ll dominate at TCU, but it’s not a guarantee that he’ll be more successful than the guy that took TCU from nothing in the SWC to the Big 12. And if not for 2014 Baylor being so good, Patterson would have had TCU in the playoff.

Some are upset that Patterson chose to not finish the season. I don’t blame him. He brought the program from nothing (at least in anything close to the modern era). He doesn’t owe TCU finishing out the season, and TCU didn’t owe giving him more time. After 21 years—given how poorly the last four years had gone relative to expectations—it was time.

Baylor should be a pretty hefty favorite on Saturday. The Bears opened as 5.5 point favorites. I’d expect the line to move Baylor’s way.