For two decades, Gary Patterson’s name was synonymous with Horned Frog football. Now, the longtime TCU head coach is taking his legacy to a new stage: the Davey O’Brien Foundation has named Patterson this year’s Legends Award recipient, honoring his unparalleled contributions to the game and his steadfast leadership on and off the field.
Patterson joins a select circle — only the second coach to earn the distinction since the award’s expansion in 2024, following Mack Brown. The Legends Award celebrates those who have not only excelled on the field but also exemplified integrity, mentorship, and leadership that transcends the scoreboard, according to a release.
Patterson’s résumé reads like a who’s who of modern college football. Over 21 seasons at TCU, he amassed a record of 181–79, the most wins in school history, while collecting 22 national coach-of-the-year honors. His Horned Frogs captured six conference championships, produced 263 all-conference selections, 21 first-team All-Americans, and sent 55 players to the NFL.
But it wasn’t just about numbers. Patterson’s teams were memorable for their big-game swagger. There was the 2011 Rose Bowl, a nail-biting 21–19 victory over Wisconsin, and the 2014 Peach Bowl, a commanding 42–3 win over Ole Miss. Patterson’s 2010 squad went undefeated at 13-0, finishing second in the major postseason polls, while the 2009 team went 12-0 in the regular season and ended up fourth in the final BCS rankings. By 2014, Patterson had guided TCU into the inaugural College Football Playoff, cementing the Horned Frogs as a national powerhouse.
Patterson’s journey began far from Fort Worth, in Rozell, Kansas, where he played safety and linebacker at Dodge City and Kansas State before earning a degree in physical education from K-State in 1983. His coaching career spanned stops at a dozen schools, from New Mexico to Navy to Kansas State, before returning to TCU as defensive coordinator in 1998. He became head coach two years later, a decision that would change the trajectory of Horned Frog football.
Off the field, Patterson’s influence extends into the Fort Worth community. Alongside Grammy-winning artist Leon Bridges, he co-founded The Big Good in 2020, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing critical needs across the city. To date, the organization has invested over $4 million in local programs, a testament to Patterson’s commitment to service beyond football.
Patterson, who was inducted into the TCU Athletics Hall of Fame last year, is married to his wife, Kelsey, and together they have three sons, Josh, Cade, and Blake. His life, like his career, has been defined by dedication to both his family and the city he has called home for decades.
The 49th Annual Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner, set for Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at The Fort Worth Club, will honor Patterson alongside National Quarterback Award winner Fernando Mendoza of Indiana University and High School Scholarship Award recipient Maile Farden of Southlake Carroll High School. Patterson’s selection is not just a nod to his career — it’s a recognition of the mark he’s left on football and Fort Worth alike.