The University of Kentucky football coachingstaff has become complete with the hiring of Darrell Patterson,Coach Hal Mumme has announced. Patterson will be adefensive assistant with the Wildcats. Mumme and defensivecoordinator Mike Major are in the process of definingresponsibilities among the UK defensive assistants. “Darrell brings a unique blend of coaching and recruitingabilities that we’re very thankful to have,” Mumme said. “Hehas a variety of coaching and playing experiencesin the NFL,CFL, and colleges. He has recruited in Ohio andin thenortheast, where we would like to have ties.”
A native ofCanonsburg, Pa., Patterson was an all-state linebacker in highschool. He was named the 1979 Southwest Conference Newcomer ofthe Year at Texas Christian University and was an All-SWClinebacker during his career (1979-82) at TCU.
Pattersonwas a sixth-round pick of the New York Giants in the 1983 draft. He was with the Giants and Buffalo Bills before enjoying aseven-year career in the Canadian Football League. Pattersonplayed for Winnipeg from 1984-87 and helped lead the BlueBombers to the 1984 Grey Cup championship. He played forHamilton from 1988-90 and the Tiger-Cats were the Grey Cuprunner-up in 1989.
Patterson began his coaching career in1991 by helpingthe British Columbia Lions advance to theplayoffs. He entered the collegiate ranks at Akron in 1992-93under Coach Gerry Faust. Patterson coached outside linebackers,nickel backs, and specials teams. He helped develop strongsafety Victor Green, who was second in the AFC in tackles in1996 while playing for the New York Jets. Anotherformer Patterson protege, linebacker Jason Taylor, is expectedto be selected in this year’s NFL draft.
Pattersonreturned to Canada in 1994 as special teams coordinator anddefensive line coach for Ottawa. The Rough Riders advanced tothe Grey Cup semifinals, and two of his players — ends JohnCropke and Dave Benefield — were named to the All-CFL team.
Patterson has been atTemple University in Philadelphia, Pa., the last two years. Hespent extensive time recruiting in north New Jersey, New York,east Texas, Canada, and Detroit areas.
“Coming toKentucky is an opportunity to do some great things,” Pattersonsaid. “We’re in the best conference andplay the bestcompetition in the nation.”
Patterson and Mumme metthrough mutual friends at the American Football CoachesConvention last month in Orlando. A relationship developed andMumme chose to bring Patterson aboard to complete the coachingstaff.
Here is the UK coaching staff, with someadjustments tobe made in the responsibilities of the defensivecoaches: Hal Mumme, head coach/offensivecoordinator/quarterbacks Claude Bassett, recruitingcoordinator Mike Fanoga, defensive tackles Tony Franklin,running backs Tim Keane, defensive backs Mike Leach, receivers(including wide receivers, tight ends) Mike Major, defensivecoordinator/linebackers Calvin Miller, defensive ends GuyMorriss, offensive line Darrell Patterson, defensive assistant In addition, the graduate assistant coaches are Mike Chism(defense) and Chris Hatcher (offense) and Mike Scott is astudent coach.
