James Patton | Miami University

James Patton is in his third year as the offensive line coach/run game coordinator. Patton, a four-year letterman at tight end for the Miami RedHawks from 1989-92, earned First Team All-MAC honors and was a team captain as a senior in 1992.

Since Patton's arrival, the RedHawks have averaged nearly 150.0 yards rushing per game with help from Rusty Feth, who earned second-team All-MAC honor in 2022

 

Prior to joining Miami, Patton served as the offensive line coach/run game coordinator for the Eastern Michigan Eagles for the past two years. EMU’s offense was electric in 2019, amassing 5,271 total yards, 49 touchdowns, and 379 total points. Overall, the EMU offense set the program record for touchdowns in a season (49), touchdown passes in a season (27), and passes completed in a season (313). Additionally, EMU’s 285 first downs, 379 points, and 5,271 total yards of offense ranked second all-time in program history.

 

Patton brings 28 years of experience to Oxford, spending time at Eastern Michigan (2019-20), Pittsburgh (2017-18), Indiana (2013-16), Oklahoma (2006-12), Northwestern (1999-2005), Miami University (1989-92, 1998) and Rhode Island (1995-97). Furthermore, he has coached in 14 bowl games and on six conference championship teams.

 

Patton spent two years with Pitt as an offensive quality control coach. In 2018, the offensive line helped the running backs turn in an average of 227.9 yards per game en route to an appearance in the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl.

Prior to his arrival in the Steel City, Patton served four seasons as an assistant coach with the Hoosiers. He was the tight ends and fullbacks coach his final three years in Bloomington after initially serving as special teams coordinator and assistant defensive line coach. Patton also had recruiting coordinator responsibilities at IU.

In 2015, Indiana became just the fourth team in FBS history to feature a 3,500-yard passer, two 1,000-yard rushers and one 1,000-yard receiver in a season. Oklahoma also accomplished this feat in 2008, when Patton was the Sooners’ offensive line coach.

During his seven-season tenure at Oklahoma, Patton was part of five Big 12 championship teams. The Sooners compiled a 74-21 record (.779) from 2006-12, earning three Fiesta Bowl berths, a Cotton Bowl invitation and playing in the 2009 BCS title game.

Patton’s 2011 offensive line gave up just nine sacks, while OU ranked fourth nationally in total offense and passing. In 2010, Oklahoma finished No. 4 in passing offense, No. 13 in total offense and No. 17 in scoring offense nationally.

He mentored the offensive line at NU from 2001-05 after he oversaw tight ends and H-backs in 1999 and 2000 for then-Head Coach Randy Walker. The 2000 club won the Big Ten Championship and played in the Alamo Bowl. From 2002-05, NU had at least one 1,200-yard rusher and one of the nation’s top 30 rushers each year. Every Wildcat senior offensive lineman Patton coached made it to the NFL.

Patton was the tight ends and H-backs coach at Miami in 1998, when the RedHawks posted a 10-1 record to finish in a tie for first place in the East Division of the Mid-American Conference.

Before returning to Miami, Patton spent three seasons at the University of Rhode Island under Floyd Keith. He worked with the offensive line in 1996 and 1997, and tight ends in 1995.

As an undergrad, Patton was a four-year letterman at tight end for the Miami RedHawks from 1989-92, earning First Team All-MAC honors as a senior. In his career, he had 45 receptions for 504 yards and one score.

A Lafayette, Ohio, native, Patton earned his bachelor’s degree in 1993 and his master’s in 1995 from Miami. He served as a graduate assistant for the program in 1993 and 1994.

Patton and his wife, Nichole, have four children: Brayden, Katie, Madie, and Abbie. His wife Nicole played volleyball at Miami from 1991-94.