CHAMPAIGN, IL - Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith named Cory Patterson to the Fighting Illini staff as assistant coach for tight ends. Patterson joins the Illini after three seasons as the highly successful head coach at Trinity Catholic High School in St. Louis.

"Cory Patterson is an up-and-coming star in the coaching world," Lovie Smith said. "I got to know him while he was doing an outstanding job at Trinity Catholic, and saw the coaching and leadership skills that will be a tremendous fit at the University of Illinois. He is a high-energy, highly motivated young coach."

Under Patterson, Trinity Catholic established itself as one of the top high school programs in St. Louis and the state of Missouri. He was named the Archdiocesan Athletic Association (AAA) Conference Coach of the Year all three seasons. Patterson compiled a record of 27-6 in his three seasons, and led the Titans to the 2016 Missouri state Class 2 title game. The 2017 squad was 9-1, ending their season in the state semifinals.

Patterson will coach tight ends for the Fighting Illini, while Bob Ligashesky will become solely special teams coordinator.

Illinois offensive lineman Larry Boyd, who started much of the 2017 season as a true freshman, played for Patterson at Trinity Catholic.

Patterson is a 2002 finance graduate of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. His collegiate playing career was cut short by a leg injury. Patterson also served as an assistant coach at Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis and helped lead the Cadets to a state championship and two district championships.

Patterson's hire is pending approval by the UI Board of Trustees.

Cory Patterson Coaching History

Patterson File

Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
College: Lindenwood University, 2002
Family: Wife, Tiffany Estes; Children: daughters Nyla and Nori