Patterson to Coach Frogs in Mobile
12/14/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 14, 2000) -- A new era in TCU Football will begin in Mobile, as Gary Patterson will assume the head coaching responsibilities when the Horned Frogs face Southern Mississippi in the GMAC Mobile Alabama Bowl on December 20.
TCU Athletics Director Eric Hyman and former head coach Dennis Franchione agreed that this coaching change is appropriate since Patterson was named from Coach Franchione's staff and is well-prepared to take over the game plan. All of the assistant coaches who coached the Frogs during the season will assist Patterson at the bowl game.
Coach Patterson and I met with the team this afternoon, said TCU Athletics Director Eric Hyman. Having Gary coach the team is the right thing to do for TCU and for the student-athletes. 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 transistion. Although Coach Franchione will not coach the team, he would like to attend the Mobile Bowl to support the Frogs, added Hyman.
I want to do what's best for TCU and the players on the team, said Dennis Franchione. I care very deeply about the players and only desire what's best for them and for the university. I'll be a very interested observer at the game.
The GMAC Mobile Alabama Bowl will be televised on ESPN2, beginning at 7:00 p.m on Dec. 20. The Frogs are ranked 13th in the Associated Press poll and 16th in the ESPN/Coaches poll.
