Football
- Title:
- Offensive Coordinator
- Email Address:
- znp002@shsu.edu
- Alma Mater:
- Slippery Rock
- Graduation Year:
- 2012
- Phone:
- 936 294-1735
Zack Patterson enters his second season as Sam Houston’s offensive coordinator in 2026 after returning to Huntsville as part of head coach Phil Longo’s staff in 2025.
Patterson previously coached the Bearkat running backs from 2016-19, adding run game coordinator responsibilities during his final two seasons. His return reunited him with Longo after the two worked together at Slippery Rock, Sam Houston and Wisconsin.
Before returning to Sam Houston, Patterson worked on Wisconsin’s offensive staff in 2024. He previously served as Hampton’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2020-23. During his tenure with the Pirates, he was selected for the AFCA’s 2024 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, which recognizes emerging leaders in the coaching profession.
During his first stint in Huntsville, Patterson helped develop a running game that complemented one of the nation’s most productive offenses. Sam Houston led the FCS in scoring in 2016, averaging 49.5 points per game, and held the nation’s No. 1 ranking for the final six weeks of the regular season.
That season, Corey Avery earned first-team All-Southland Conference honors and Remus Bulmer received second-team recognition. Patterson’s running backs earned three all-conference selections during his tenure.
He helped the Bearkats advance to the FCS semifinals in 2017 as Sam Houston again led the nation in scoring and total offense. In 2018, Kyran Jackson became the first Bearkat since 2015 to finish a season with at least 800 rushing yards and 250 receiving yards. Across Patterson’s four seasons, the Kats averaged more than 2,000 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns per year.
Patterson began his coaching career at Slippery Rock in 2012 and progressed to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2015. He also handled recruiting coordinator responsibilities and helped the program reach the NCAA Division II playoffs in three consecutive seasons.
In 2015, Slippery Rock won its second consecutive conference championship, advanced to the national quarterfinals and finished No. 7 nationally. Its offense averaged 490.3 yards per game and established school records for scoring, total offense, rushing yards and touchdowns. Patterson was a finalist for FootballScoop’s Division II Coordinator of the Year award.
As a player, Patterson was a defensive end at Grove City College. He started all 10 games as a senior, led the team with 5.5 sacks and earned honorable mention All-Presidents’ Athletic Conference recognition. He also earned Dean’s List and conference Academic Honor Roll recognition.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Patterson earned his bachelor’s degree from Grove City in 2012 and his master’s degree from Slippery Rock in 2014.
