After a somewhat lengthy search, West Virginia looks like it’s completed filling the two remaining coaching vacancies on the defensive side of the ball.
The other day, we noted that Stephen F. Austin assistant Erik Slaughter was close to becoming a defensive assistant for the Mountaineers, likely for the defensive line. Now, another report links Arkansas State defensive coordinator Keith Patterson to WVU as well.
CBS’ Bruce Feldman reports that Patterson is set to join Dana Holgorsen‘s staff at WVU, likely as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator. That spot appeared to be going to New York Jets linebackers coach Mike Smith, but Smith had an about-face and returned to the Jets earlier this month.
West Virginia MetroNews later confirmed the hire, although it’s not been made official by the school. However, Arkansas State coach Gus Malzahn did release the following statement just a short while ago:
“We appreciate everything Coach Patterson did for us while he was here and wish him the best. We have already started a search to fill the open position on our coaching staff as we move forward.”
Patterson has only been with Arkansas State for about six weeks after spending the past season as Pitt’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under then-head coach Todd Graham. Patterson served as interim coach for the Panthers when Graham left for Arizona State.
If both hires come to fruition, and it appears they will, three of WVU’s four defensive assistants will be coming from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.