TCU fires co-offensive coordinator AJ Ricker after disappointing season

TCU announced on Monday that AJ Ricker has been dismissed as the Horned Frogs’ co‑offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. The move was confirmed by the university’s athletic department in a brief statement released from Fort Worth, Texas. Ricker, 38, had been on staff since Sonny Dykes took over as head coach in late 2021.

Ricker arrived in Fort Worth as part of Dykes’ effort to rebuild a program that had struggled for years. He helped shape an offensive line that propelled TCU to the College Football Playoff in the 2022 season, a high point for the school. This year, however, the offense has faltered. The Horned Frogs sit near the bottom of the Big 12 in yards per game and have seen a sharp rise in sacks allowed. After a 31‑28 loss to West Virginia that dropped the team to 5‑3, pressure mounted on Dykes to make a change. The firing is intended to jump‑start a unit that has been inconsistent and to give the offense a new direction before the season’s final stretch.

In 2023 the Horned Frogs averaged 28.4 points per game, a steep decline from the 38.9 points they posted in the playoff run. The offensive line gave up 28 sacks, the most in the conference, and struggled in the run game, averaging just 92 rushing yards per contest. Players expressed disappointment at Ricker’s exit but said they trust Dykes to find a better fit. Analysts noted that the move signals a shift toward a more pass‑heavy scheme, something Dykes has hinted at in recent press conferences.

Dykes said a replacement will be hired within the next two weeks, emphasizing the need for a coach with a strong passing background. The search is expected to focus on candidates who can develop the existing talent while attracting new recruits. The Horned Frogs still have three games left and remain eligible for a bowl, but the coaching change could affect their performance and recruiting outlook as the season closes.