Jamie Dixon was welcomed home today.

In 1987, he played his last game for TCU. Now, he’s back as the head coach.

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Chris Del Conte said this day has been long awaited. The wait has been worth it, he said.

“I feel like we have assembled the best coaching staff in the country,” Del Conte said.

Dixon was lured away from the Pittsburg Panthers, where he was signed through 2023 and had the highest winning percentage of any coach in the school’s history. He will replace Trent Johnson, who was fired last week after four losing seasons as the Frogs’ head coach.

Dixon played for the Frogs from 1984-1987. Perhaps the most iconic moment of his career came when he hit a game-winning shot against Texas in 1986 that helped TCU capture the Southwestern Conference title.

Dixon opened his Tuesday press conference by saying “dreams do come true.”

Now, he said his new dream is to win.

“We are here to win,” Dixon said. “Right now and the right way.”

Dixon said with the players he is working with, he expects to win. But he said the players have to want and work for it.

“I told them last night this is no rebuilding project,” Dixon said. “I like what they have.”

Dixon said he wants his players to be tough, unselfish, and smart.

Despite the fact that the Frogs are coming off a 12-21 season, Dixon said there should be high expectations for next season.

“You can’t plan on being ninth place just because that’s better than 10th,” Dixon said.

Dixon becomes the 22nd head coach in the history of the TCU basketball program.