Michigan Football: Is TCU Horned Frogs Coach Gary Patterson New Favorite?
Michigan football is going through a bit of a dark stage now, with all reports suggesting that Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh will not come to Ann Arbor to replace the recently fired Rich Rodriguez.
Everyone's current favorite is San Diego State Aztecs coach Brady Hoke, but he has minimal experience despite a solid track record.
After that, the inevitable (but unrealistic) rumors of LSU Tigers coach Les Miles are brought up, followed by guys like Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald (who took himself out of the running) and Mississippi State Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen (I doubt he's going anywhere).
Finally, the top mid-major coaches are brought up, but it is widely known that Boise State Broncos coach Chris Petersen doesn't even return exploratory phone calls.
That brings us to TCU Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson.
His name seems to make a lot of sense, but with a few caveats.
Here are five reasons why Patterson will ultimately become the new Wolverines head coach and five potential obstacles.
Why He's the New Coach: 5) It Seems Like He's Open to Moving
1 of 11
Most people seem to think that Patterson wouldn't even consider leaving TCU. But when questioned about the job, he sounded like he'd at least give it some consideration.
The Detroit News asked Patterson about his interest, and while he said he hadn't been contacted (yet), here's what he had to say.
"Michigan has a great tradition and is a great university. I'll cross that bridge when I get there."
Sounds like a guy who is at least open to a move.
Why He's Not the New Coach: 5) TCU Is Headed to the Big East
2 of 11
All throughout his tenure, Patterson has had to deal with needing to have a perfect season in order to have a chance at a BCS berth.
But with their recent move to the Big East, the Horned Frogs will have much more room for error, as the UConn Huskies will tell you.
Why would he leave when TCU is now the favorite to make a BCS game nearly every year?
Why He's the New Coach: 4) He'll Know What to Do with Denard
3 of 11
Denard Robinson is the future of Michigan football, so it's essential that the new coach knows how to get the most out of his incredible talents.
Patterson coached another dual-threat quarterback in Andy Dalton and formed him into an elite college player and serious NFL prospect.
He could do the same with Denard.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Why He's Not the New Coach: 4) Michigan Isn't Worth the Challenge
4 of 11
Michigan has a lot of talent and resources, but Patterson has already built TCU into an every-year BCS contender.
If he comes to Michigan, he'll have at least a year or two of serious rebuilding before having a realistic shot at winning the Big Ten.
If he stays at TCU, he already has everything in place to keep contending.
Why take on such a demanding challenge?
Why He's the New Coach: 3) If He Comes, Denard Will Stay
5 of 11
Like I said, Patterson will know how to get the most out of Denard.
But if a coach who doesn't run the spread (Patterson does) comes to Ann Arbor, Denard will ultimately feel uncomfortable and could consider a transfer. He was a big fan of Rodriguez and his offense.
Nabbing Patterson would keep Denard in town, so it makes sense for Michigan to bring him in.
Why He's Not the New Coach: 3) He Has More to Accomplish at TCU
6 of 11
Patterson led TCU to a Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin, but the Horned Frogs still can't finish any higher than second in the BCS rankings.
It wouldn't be a shock to see Patterson stay and try to get TCU a national championship.
Why He's the New Coach: 2) He's Hit His Peak at TCU
7 of 11
Everything was going for TCU this year.
It had a senior quarterback, and Boise State's incredibly hard luck gave the Horned Frogs that elusive BCS berth. They likely wouldn't have gotten one if Kyle Brotzman took care of business.
Patterson should get out after winning a Rose Bowl, the best he can likely do at TCU.
It's hard to see them challenging for a national championship with Andy Dalton gone and luck inevitably evening out a bit.
Why He's Not the New Coach: 2) He's Not a Michigan Man
8 of 11
Everyone in and around the program brings up the term "Michigan Man" when addressing the coaching vacancy.
Patterson has no Midwest ties and is certainly not a "Michigan Man" by most definitions.
Brady Hoke—most people's presumed favorite—certainly is one.
Why He's the New Coach: 1) He Can Become a Legend
9 of 11
Patterson is loved at TCU, but having success at a mid-major—or even a Big East school—won't give him the same type of legacy as succeeding at Michigan.
If he can have as much success in Michigan as he has at TCU, he'll be an all-time legend.
If he stays at TCU and continues to dominate, he'll merely be considered a great coach.
Coming to Michigan will be the greater challenge, but with a much greater award. He'd be adored in Ann Arbor if he succeeds.
That has to mean something for a confident, competitive guy like Patterson.
Why He's Not the New Coach: 1) TCU Is Better Than Michigan
10 of 11
TCU should enter next season as a Top Five or Top 10 team, while Michigan will undoubtedly be unranked.
While the Horned Frogs are losing their quarterback, they're still the favorites to win their conference, while the Wolverines will be lucky to crack the top five in the Big Ten.
Why leave?
Prediction
11 of 11
It's a bit troubling that Gary Patterson hasn't been contacted by athletic director David Brandon, but I think that will ultimately happen.
If Patterson is willing to leave (questionable, as I've noted), I think he should be Michigan's top choice.
A great defensive mind (TCU has the nation's best defense), he'd be a great fit in Ann Arbor as an anti-RichRod.
The only question is, will he come?
Ultimately, I think he'll stay with his safer job at TCU. But I don't think that's anything close to a guarantee, and I think that after Brady Hoke, he might be the second-likeliest successor to Rodriguez.
I see Hoke becoming the next coach. Just don't count out Patterson.
Matt Rudnitsky is a student at the University of Michigan and a Featured Columnist/writing intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Mattrud.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
