Gary Patterson, Baylor agree to part ways

Gary Patterson is no longer a "senior-level strategic consultant" for the Baylor football program, less than six months since he accepted the job.

Baylor said in a statement Friday that Patterson and the program are parting ways four weeks before the start of the new season.

Patterson, 64, was the longtime head coach at TCU (2000-21) and spent the 2022 season at Texas as a special assistant to the head coach. He headed to Waco to join the Bears in early February.

"Baylor Football and Gary Patterson have jointly concluded their official partnership," Baylor 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."

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that the mutual decision came because the sides realized the relationship "just wasn't working."

Meanwhile, Patterson told Waco radio station ESPN Central Texas that he had been thinking about leaving since June.

With Patterson a defensive-minded coach and Baylor head coach Dave Aranda taking over defensive play-calling this season, the relationship ran its course.

"Dave stepping back in to become the defensive coordinator and doing all that, I just kind of felt like I'd taken them as far as I could take them as far as working with them," Patterson told the radio station. "So they could go do their thing and I could be out of the way."

Patterson went 181-79 as the head coach of TCU and resigned the post during the 2021 season. He is the winningest head coach in Horned Frogs' history.

Baylor begins its season Aug. 31 with a game against Tarleton State.

--Field Level Media