Illinois State head football coach Denver Johnson didnt have to look far to fill the coaching void on his staff. In fact, he just had to walk down the hall at the Kaufman Football Building to Chris Pattons office.
After serving one season as a restricted coach, Patton was promoted by Johnson Wednesday to fill the vacancy left by Mac McDaniel, who resigned in December. He will continue working with the defensive line for the Redbirds.
Im thrilled to have this opportunity, Patton said. This is the payoff on the gamble, so to speak. I set out to be a college football coach 10 years ago and it took me awhile to even get into the high school ranks. I put myself in the position to do this and coach Johnson was gracious enough to give me this opportunity. It was a risk and I left a great job, but I accepted a restricted earnings position at a place I love and it paid off.
For Patton its a happy ending, but for Johnson its even happier he gets a good football coach.
Chris Patton is a fantastic football coach., Johnson said. We were extremely fortunate to have him on the staff this past year. He did a great job of coaching, handling his players and recruiting for us. He also adds great chemistry to this coaching staff. Hes honest and loyal, which are qualities that I very much appreciate. Im delighted to be able to keep him on the staff and to move forward.
The Chickasha, Okla., native joined the Illinois State staff after completing six years in the highly-regarded Texas high school ranks. He was in the Dallas' Lake Highlands High School system from 1995-00. During the 1990's, Lake Highlands was the fourth-most successful playoff program in 5A football with three appearances in the semi-finals and one in the quarter-finals.
Patton was a Blue Chip high school player who was also named one of the top 10 players in Oklahoma in his senior season. He accepted a scholarship to Oklahoma State, where he played from 1980-84 as a two-year letterwinner. He was a defensive lineman in his first two seasons and an offensive lineman in his last two campaigns.
His position coach on the defensive line at OSU was current Miami Dolphins head coach Dave Wannstedt. While Patton was at OSU, the Cowboys made appearances in the 1981 Independence Bowl, the 1983 Bluebonnet Bowl and the 1984 Gator Bowl.
Following his college career, Patton worked in the private sector, but maintained his coaching career, including a stint with a club team in Gavle, Sweden. Patton, who graduated from OSU in 1989 with a degree in organizational administration, and his wife, Laura, have two daughters, Rachel, 13, and Katie, 3.
