Courtesy of TCU Athletics
TCU's Gary Patterson has been named the 2009 Liberty Mutual Coach of the
Year.
The recipient is chosen based on the success and sportsmanship of their team
on the field, achievements by their student-athletes in the classroom and
their selfless support of charity and their communities.
Liberty Mutual will donate $50,000 to the Presbyterian Night Shelter in Fort
Worth, Patterson's chosen charity, as well as a $20,000 scholarship award to
the TCU Alumni Association.
Patterson was chosen from a group of 10 finalists. The selection was made
based on voting by the College Football Hall of Fame, media and fans.
It's the eighth national honor for Patterson this season. He also received
National Coach of the Year accolades from the Walter Camp Football
Foundation, Associated Press and Sporting News in addition to being named
the recipient of the Eddie Robinson Award, Bobby Dodd Award, George Munger
Award and Woody Hayes Award.
Patterson led TCU to a 12-1 record, Mountain West Conference championship
and its BCS appearance. The Horned Frogs posted their first undefeated
regular season since their 1938 national championship campaign.
The 2009 Horned Frogs had just 13 seniors on the roster with only six in the
starting lineup.
In nine seasons as head coach, Patterson has guided TCU to three conference
championships, six 10-plus win seasons and eight bowl appearances.
Twenty-one TCU football players earned postseason honors in 2009, including
seven All-Americans. In the classroom, the American Football Coaches
Association recognized TCU for graduating 75 percent or more of its
student-athletes.
Off the field, the Gary Patterson Foundation provides positive educational,
physical fitness and life-skills opportunities for local disadvantaged
children in the Fort Worth area. Patterson also serves on the board of
directors for the Rudy Award, honoring Division I players who demonstrate
the exemplary values of inspirational football.