Sonny Dykes

Sonny Dykes is a football coach with a rich career history in the sport. He commenced his current position as head coach of the Texas Christian University (TCU) football team in 2022, following successful stints as head coach at Southern Methodist University (SMU) from 2018 to 2021, the University of California, Berkeley from 2013 to 2016, and Louisiana Tech University from 2010 to 2012. In his inaugural season at TCU, Dykes not only led the Horned Frogs to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance but also to a National Championship game.

Born into a coaching family, Dykes began his coaching career in high school sports, serving as an assistant baseball coach before switching his focus to football. He then transitioned to the collegiate level, taking up assistant coaching roles at several high schools and colleges, including Kentucky, Texas Tech, and Arizona. His time at Texas Tech was particularly noteworthy. He served as the wide receivers coach, coaching Carlos Francis, who was subsequently selected in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and also receivers Wes Welker and Derek Dorris, who signed free agent contracts with the San Diego Chargers and New York Giants, respectively. Moreover, Texas Tech participated in a bowl game during each of his five years as the receivers coach. He was then promoted to co-offensive coordinator in 2005, and under his guidance, the team ranked third in passing and sixth in total offense in the nation in his second season.

In 2010, Dykes accepted the role of head coach at Louisiana Tech. In his first season, the team recorded a 5–7 result, but he quickly turned things around, leading the team to an 8–5 record in 2011, clinching the Western Athletic Conference title, and a 9–3 record in 2012. After a successful stint at Louisiana Tech, Dykes moved to the University of California, Berkeley in 2013. Despite a challenging first season, Dykes was able to improve the team's performance, culminating in an Armed Forces Bowl victory in 2015. After his tenure at California, he was appointed as head coach at SMU in 2018 and led the Mustangs to three winning seasons, including a notable 10-3 record in 2019, the program's best record in over thirty years. In 2022, Dykes was recognized with several coaching awards, including the AFCA Coach of the Year, AP Coach of the Year, Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, Walter Camp Coach of the Year, Sporting News Coach of the Year, Home Depot Coach of the Year, and Big 12 Coach of the Year.

Dykes' coaching prowess caught the attention of Texas Christian University, who appointed him as head coach prior to the 2022 season. In his first season at TCU, Dykes led the Horned Frogs to a remarkable 12–1 record. He led the team to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance and subsequent win, making history for the program. He then guided the team to an appearance in the National Championship game, reinforcing his reputability as a transformative coach.