Chris Patterson enters his second season at Tuskegee as the Golden Tigers’ offensive line coach following five seasons at Lane.
In the 2024 season, Tuskegee’s offensive line played a critical role in producing a balanced offensive attack and helping the Golden Tigers remain competitive throughout the season.
Under Patterson’s guidance, the offensive line paved the way for a ground game that produced 1,584 net rushing yards on 406 attempts, averaging 3.9 yards per carry and 137.5 rushing yards per game. The protection upfront also supported the passing game, allowing the Golden Tigers to accumulate 1,993 passing yards and 15 touchdowns through the air.
The offense scored on 32 of 36 opportunities (89 percent), in the red-zone including 23 touchdowns. The unit also minimized mistakes, losing only five fumbles on the year. The offensive line’s discipline was reflected in just 64 penalties for 574 yards over the course of the season, ranking among the lower penalty counts in the league.
The 2023 Lane College offensive line paved the way for one of the most balanced offenses in the SIAC. The Dragons averaged over 318 yards of total offense per game, including 169.7 rushing yards and 148.6 passing yards. The offensive line allowed only 11 sacks across 10 games and contributed to the team rushing for 1,697 yards on the year. Their performance led Lane to a 6-4 finish. The offense saw increased productivity with three players surpassing 400 rushing yards and multiple long scoring drives made possible by consistent line play.
Throughout his tenure, Patterson developed a reputation for molding cohesive and disciplined offensive line units. His recruiting efforts brought in durable, high-character linemen that contributed immediately. Patterson also helped Lane maintain a top-tier offensive red zone percentage and led multiple offensive linemen to earn all-conference recognition.
Lane enjoyed one of its most productive seasons offensively in 2021, finishing with a 6-4 record and averaging 30.6 points and nearly 395 yards per game. The offensive line helped produce 2,488 passing yards and 1,455 rushing yards. Under Patterson’s direction, the unit allowed just 29 sacks and facilitated 22 passing touchdowns and 17 rushing scores. Lane’s offensive line was instrumental in multiple high-scoring wins, including a 71-0 victory over Texas College and a 45-point performance at Edward Waters. The team posted a 42.3% third-down conversion rate and scored on 28 of 42 red zone opportunities.
The Lane offense made noticeable improvements in 2019, with the team scoring 24.8 points per game and accumulating over 3,100 total yards of offense. The offensive line helped support a balanced attack, generating 211.7 passing yards and 101.3 rushing yards per game. Lane’s line protection allowed quarterback Tarik McKinzie to throw for over 1,550 yards and 16 touchdowns. The front five also anchored a ground game led by Kingston Davis, who ran for 669 yards. The offensive line played a key role in red zone efficiency, helping Lane score on 26 of 31 red zone trips.
Before his return to Lane, Coach Patterson spent one year with New Mexico Highlands, where he led the offensive line in an Air- raid attack style offense. In the 2017 season, the Cowboys increased their national sack allowed numbers from the bottom of the Division II ranks into the top 25, averaging 1.18 sacks allowed a game. In addition, Patterson’s offensive line anchored a 1,219 yard rusher that produced 391.5 yards a game of total offense.
In 2016, the offense averaged 285.4 total yards per game, including 102.5 rushing yards and 182.8 passing yards per game. The offensive line allowed 24 sacks for 169 yards lost over the season.
Prior to caching at New Mexico Highlands, Patterson spent four seasons with Lincoln University as the Offensive Line Coach. Patterson was named Associate Head Football Coach of the Lions heading into the 2015 season.
Lincoln’s offense had a breakout year in 2015. The Lions led the CIAA in rushing attempts (475), field goal percentage (88.9 percent), and time of possession per game (34:39). Lincoln’s Stephen Scott led the CIAA in total rushes (304), rushing yards (1,258), and in yardage per game (125.8). He ranked second in rushing touchdowns (10) and ninth in yards per rush (4.1). Each season the Lions offensive production has increased.
In 2014, Patterson and his offensive line unit for Lincoln contributed to a school-record 1,029 rushing yards. The team averaged 102.9 rushing yards per game and 2.9 yards per carry. The offense also accumulated 1,652 passing yards, averaging 165.2 passing yards per game. Despite the team’s 1–9 overall record, the offensive line’s performance marked a significant improvement in the ground game.
Patterson’s coaching stints started at Norfolk State University and has consisted of campaigns at Saint Augustine’s College, Lindenwood University, New Mexico Military Institute, and a graduate assistantship at Syracuse University.
Patterson is from Syracuse, New York. He graduated with a Bachelor of Art in Sociology from Norfolk State University and holds a Master’s Degree from Liberty University.
