| | Patterson to take TCU reins for bowl
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Gary Patterson will take over Texas Christian (No. 16 ESPN/USA Today, No. 13 AP) a little sooner than originally planned. The school said Thursday that Patterson, the defensive coordinator-turned-incoming head coach, will guide the Horned Frogs in the Mobile Bowl instead of predecessor Dennis Franchione. Franchione left TCU to coach Alabama, but was going to lead the
team into the Wednesday bowl game against Southern Mississippi. Because Patterson already is familiar with the game plan,
Franchione and athletic director Eric Hyman agreed that he should
coach against Southern Miss. All the assistant coaches from this
season will assist Patterson at the game. "Having Gary coach the team is the right thing to do for TCU
and for the student-athletes," Hyman said. "We were fortunate to
hire a head coach in just seven days and we have been able to keep
the stability and continuity in the program, making this an easier
transition." Franchione will be there as a fan. "I care very deeply about the players and only desire what's
best for them and for the university," he said. "I'll be a very
interested observer at the game."
| | |
| |
