Baylor special assistant Gary Patterson, the former longtime TCU head coach who joined Dave Aranda’s staff in the winter, is no longer with the program, a team spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic.
Patterson, 64, joined Aranda’s staff in February as a senior-level strategic consultant. He spent 25 years at TCU, Baylor’s primary rival, going 181-79 before he was fired in 2021 after a string of underwhelming seasons. After his ouster, he spent the 2022 season as a special assistant to Steve Sarkisian at Texas before moving on to Baylor this year.
ESPN first reported the news of Patterson’s departure from Baylor.
“Baylor Football and Gary Patterson have jointly concluded their official partnership,” the school said in a statement. “Gary joined us as a senior consultant in February, and he has been a tremendous asset to the team, providing valuable insights and expertise. We are truly grateful for everything he has contributed and wish him all the best as he embarks on the next chapter of his storied career.”
Aranda brought Patterson on to bolster his Baylor staff amid significant changes within the program. After winning the Big 12 in 2021, Baylor has posted consecutive losing records, and questions circulated about Aranda’s job security at the end of the 2023 season before he vowed to make significant changes in 2024 and earn another year.
Patterson was brought in to help with scheme and other big-picture issues within the program, as Aranda has focused more of his time this offseason being hands-on with the defense. Patterson has also shared thoughts and observations with Aranda and the Baylor staff during his time there. Baylor administrators this spring called Patterson’s addition “really positive.”
Baylor opens its 2024 season on Aug. 31 against Tarleton State.
(Photo: Kevin Jairaj / USA Today)
