Mike Gundy
Quick Bio: Although he may be more well known now for his mullet than anything else, Mike Gundy has a strong track record as a head coach. And we also know he’s a grown man from the famous rant he went on years ago.
Pros: Gundy has won the Big 12 conference once with Oklahoma State and has led them to five 10-win seasons since he took over as head coach in 2005. The Cowboys could end up with 10 wins again this season too. He helped Oklahoma State finish No. 3 in the country in 2011.
Cons/Questions: Much like Mike Leach, Gundy is known for his offense and not his defense. And as said previously, that doesn’t typically work in the SEC.
Gary Patterson
Quick Bio: Gary Patterson has taken TCU to new heights during his long tenure as the Horned Frogs head coach. Dennis Franchione left after the 2000 regular season after back-to-back successful seasons, and Patterson has been the head coach since the bowl game after the 2000 regular season. He’s gone on to win 157 of his 213 games at TCU since.
Pros: Patterson has transformed TCU into a Big 12 power. He helped them transition from the Conference USA to the Mountain West and then into the Big 12 in 2012. Since joining the Big 12, the Horned Frogs have won the conference once and are right in the middle of the hunt for a conference title this season.
Cons/Questions: Tennessee interviewed Patterson back in 2008 after they fired Phillip Fulmer and passed on him then. Patterson may hold resentment over that, and he also seems content at TCU.
