TCU coaching candidates: SMU’s Sonny Dykes topping target list played role in Gary Patterson’s exit

TCU and coach Gary Patterson mutually agreed to part ways Sunday ending Patterson’s 22-year tenure main the Horned Frogs. The transfer seems to have come, at the very least partially, amid a want to have a leg up in what must be a aggressive teaching search following the 2021 college football season.

With Texas Tech having fired coach Matt Wells final week, TCU noticed a possibility to open its place and “compete” with its in-state Huge 12 rival for candidates. With the Horned Frogs and Purple Raiders already battling over gamers, they’ll now go head-to-head wanting to herald a program-altering coach.

TCU’s main goal is SMU coach Sonny Dykes, sources inform CBS Sports activities.

Dykes and UTSA coach Jeff Traylor are believed to be among the many prime names being thought of by Texas Tech. Traylor on Sunday signed new 10-year cope with the Roadrunners. It is unknown whether or not his new $7.5 million buyout could be sufficient to show a Energy 5 program away from taking a look at Traylor.

Dykes, whose Mustangs are 7-1 to star the season, has historical past with Texas Tech because it’s this system the place his father, Spike, turned a training legend main the Purple Raiders for 13 seasons as they transitioned from the Southwest Convention to the Huge 12.

If Dykes was to go away for both program, he favors TCU over Texas Tech in the meanwhile, sources inform CBS Sports activities.

TCU additionally has curiosity in Traylor, and elsewhere on its listing is Louisiana coach Billy Napier, who’s 35-12 in his fourth season main the Ragin’ Cajuns. Louisiana completed the final two seasons 21-4 total with two bowl victories and has been biding his time ready for the correct Energy 5 alternative.