TCU head coach Gary Patterson is the best coach in the Big 12, according to the Associated Press. The AP named Patterson the coach of the year Tuesday after Patterson led TCU to a share of the Big 12 championship in its third season in the conference.
TCU remained in the College Football Playoff hunt for much of the season and nearly mde it into the final four of college football. Despite a blowout victory over Iowa State, TCU fell in the final playoff rankings behind Baylor and Ohio State. But that should not take away from the overall body of work by TCU this season under Patterson’s leadership.
Patterson established a reputation as a defensive coach, but this year showed the ability to adapt and adjust to win in the Big 12. TCU put up offensive numbers few saw coming this season as Patterson shifted his focus to win games on the field. The shift in game philosophy led to a record of 11-1.
Patterson received 17 of 20 votes in the AP balloting. Baylor head coach Art Briles picked up the remaining three votes.
No word on whether Briles thinks there should be more voters from the Waco area in the voting contingent for the award.