Texas Football: Gary Patterson returning to Longhorns’ staff in 2023?

Texas football and head coach Steve Sarkisian added three special assistants/team analysts to the staff this offseason. Earlier this offseason, Texas added offensive analyst Paul Chryst, defensive analyst Payam Saadat, and special teams analyst Joe DeCamillis. But Texas also lost former special assistant to the head coach and longtime TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson.

Patterson helped game plan and coach up the defensive players for the Longhorns last year. He played a significant role in helping the Texas defense be one of the most improved units year-over-year in the Big 12 last season.

According to FEI ratings, Texas’ defense ranked 11th in the FBS adjusted defensive efficiency last season after ranking 50th in the FBS the prior year.

Former Texas football special assistant Gary Patterson could return to the staff for the 2023 season

Despite helping the Texas defense become one of the best units on that side of the ball in the Big 12 last season, Patterson decided to step away from the role earlier this year.

Although, it sounds like he might be having second thoughts about that decision a little more than one month ahead of the start of the 2023 season. A report from 247Sports this week indicates that Patterson was “invited back” to Texas’ coaching staff for the 2023 campaign.

"Patterson did not go through spring practice at Texas after wanting to spend more time with family, but did tell Horns247 at the time, “if I’m bored come August, maybe I’ll see if Sark will have me back.”Brown reported this week through a Texas source that the opportunity is there if Patterson wants it."

Patterson hasn’t officially decided whether to return to Texas’ staff for the 2023 season yet. But a report from Inside Texas on July 27 (paid content) notes that his “decision would need to come in the next several days”.

In a few days (specifically on Aug. 2), Sark and the Longhorns open up fall camp. Texas would need a decision from him before the start of fall practice next week.

IT also reported that Patterson turned down multiple other college coaching opportunities this offseason, ” including one from USC and Lincoln Riley”.

If Patterson does return to Texas for another year as a special assistant/analyst, Sark and the Longhorns would have an analyst staff chocked full of valuable NFL and collegiate experience.