So TCU just gave Sonny Dykes a multiyear extension. That’s not news, really — it’s more of an acknowledgment that the powers that be at TCU are trying to keep their head coach around for a while longer. But let me tell you something: this is one of those moments where you have to ask yourself if they’re doing this because they actually believe in Dykes or if they’re just panicking.
Because here’s the deal — TCU went 36-17 since Dykes took over in 2022. That’s not bad, but let’s be real: 36 wins is a lot. But it’s also three seasons of “close, but no cigar.” They made the CFP semifinals once and then got knocked out by Georgia. Then they had a shot at another playoff spot in 2024 — and they lost to Ohio State on a last-second field goal. And now they’re trying to go back to the playoff again next year? Bro, you can’t just keep paying someone millions of dollars to be close.
Dykes is getting a multiyear extension, but here’s what’s not being said: TCU has made it clear that they’re not going to settle for second place anymore. They want to win national titles. They want to be the ones on top. But when you look at their last few seasons — 9-4 in 2025, an overtime win over USC in the Alamo Bowl — it’s like they’re trying to claw their way up a wall but keep slipping back down.
Let’s talk about this offensive overhaul coming in 2026. Josh Hoover left for Indiana. Kendal Briles is gone too. That’s not just one QB and one OC leaving — that’s the entire offensive brain trust walking out the door. And now they’re starting with Jaden Craig, who transferred from Harvard? Bro, you can’t expect someone who was a backup at a school that plays on grass to suddenly become the savior of TCU football.
And don’t even get me started on this whole “we need to compete for national and Big 12 championships” thing. That sounds like something an athletic director would say after a bad loss, not when you have a coach who’s already been there and done that. Sonny Dykes has been around long enough to know that just having the talent isn’t enough — you need execution, discipline, and a little bit of luck.
But here’s what I don’t get: why is TCU giving Dykes this extension now? Are they trying to send a message to other programs? Or are they trying to tell fans that they’re not going to let go of their coach because he’s “proven” himself?
Let me break it down for you. In 2022, TCU made the national championship game. That was a big deal — no one expected them to make it that far. But then in 2023, they lost to Ohio State on a last-second field goal. Then in 2024, they had another shot at the playoff and blew it again. And now, with an offensive overhaul coming, they’re expecting Dykes to somehow turn it around again?
This is the same coach who led TCU to one of the best seasons in program history — but also got them eliminated from the playoff on a field goal. So what’s changed? Why would TCU think this time is different?
I mean, sure, they have a new QB and a new OC, but that doesn’t mean anything. You can’t just plug in a new guy and expect things to magically work out. You need culture. You need leadership. And if Dykes has been the leader all along — even when it didn’t pan out — then why is he suddenly being given more time?
This whole extension feels like a band-aid on a broken bone. TCU’s program isn’t exactly in good shape right now, and they’re trying to paper over that with a contract extension for their head coach.
Let me also talk about the numbers here. Sonny Dykes is making more than $7 million a year? That’s absurd. And he’s getting a multiyear extension on top of that? What kind of money are we talking about now?
You know what? I get it — TCU wants to keep their coach because he’s “proven” himself. But the reality is, he hasn’t actually won anything. He’s had close calls, but nothing that really matters in terms of legacy.
And let’s be real: when you’re paying someone millions of dollars a year and they’re not winning national titles, it starts to look like a waste of money — especially when other programs are doing better with less.
I mean, think about this. Other Big 12 teams are outperforming TCU right now. Oklahoma has been on fire since they hired Brent Venables. Kansas is slowly making noise under David Beaty. And Texas? They’re back in the mix again under Steve Sarkisian.
So why would TCU be giving Dykes a multiyear extension when other programs are moving forward with fresh ideas and new leadership?
It’s like they’re trying to convince themselves that they’re still relevant — but deep down, they know they’re not. And instead of making bold moves or bringing in new talent, they’re just trying to keep the same coach around for a few more years.
This isn’t a move that says “we believe in Sonny Dykes.” It’s a move that says “we can’t afford to lose him.”
Because if TCU were actually confident in their program — in their coaching staff, in their players — they wouldn’t be panicking now. They’d be looking ahead, not back.
And let’s talk about this whole “pursuing national championships” thing. That’s a phrase that gets thrown around way too often by coaches and ADs who are desperate to justify their decisions.
You don’t just “pursue” national championships — you either win them or you don’t. And if you’re not winning, then what exactly is the point of having all these players, all this money, and all this hype?
It’s like when a team says they’re going to “compete for a championship” every year, but never actually do it. That just sounds like an excuse — an easy way to justify bad performance without actually doing anything about it.
So here’s the bottom line: TCU is giving Sonny Dykes a multiyear extension because they’re scared. They’re scared that if he leaves, they’ll be stuck with whoever comes next — and that person probably won’t have the same track record or the same connections as Dykes.
They’re also scared that if they don’t keep him around, they might lose the momentum they’ve built up over the past few years. But here’s what I think: momentum is a myth. It’s not something you can just hang onto — it either happens or it doesn’t.
And if TCU really wants to win a national championship, then they need more than just a head coach who’s “proven” himself in the past. They need someone who can actually do it now — right here, right now.
Because Sonny Dykes is getting this extension not because he’s going to lead TCU back to greatness, but because they’re trying to convince themselves that he still has something left to give.
And let me tell you something: if I were a fan of TCU football, I’d be worried. Because right now, the program looks like it’s stuck in limbo — not good enough to win consistently, but not bad enough to change things completely either.
So while other programs are making moves and taking chances, TCU is just trying to keep their coach around for a few more years. And honestly? That doesn’t inspire much confidence.
Because if you’re going to make a statement like this — about “pursuing national championships” — then you have to be willing to do the things that actually lead to winning those titles. Not just talking about it, not just giving your coach an extension because he’s been around long enough.
You have to change the culture. You have to bring in new talent. And most importantly, you have to accept that sometimes, even if you’ve had success before — even if you’ve been close — it doesn’t mean you’re going to win next time.
So here’s my question: What exactly is TCU hoping this extension will do? Because if they think it’s going to magically turn around their program — then they’re L energy. If they think it’s going to make people believe in them again — well, that’s just a little bit of wishful thinking.
And let’s be real: when you’re paying someone millions of dollars and giving them an extension because he’s “proven” himself but hasn’t actually won anything yet — then the only thing you’re really proving is how much you value your coach over actual results.
