John Patterson enters his fifth season overall with the Fighting Illini women's basketball program, his third as an on-court coach under Nancy Fahey and his first as the program's associate head coach, in 2021-22. Patterson previously served as the program's Director of Player Personnel, initially coming to Illinois following a three-year stint as the assistant coach on Fahey's staff at Washington University.

Patterson's responsibilities include day-to-day scheduling, and game scheduling, while on the court he works to develop the Illini's guards, and has helped produce a record-setting stable of backcourt players during his tenure with the Orange and Blue. 

Under Patterson's guidance, several Fighting Illini guards have etched their names into the record books, as Class of 2020 graduates Brandi Beasley, Petra Holešínská, and Courtney Joens each left their mark.

Beasley finished her career ranked No. 16 on the Illini's career scoring chart with 1,381 points, and finished fourth with 439 career assists, while knocking down 104 three-pointers, 10th all-time at Illinois. Holešínská finished fifth on the career three-pointers list with 161 treys. She shot 41 percent (71-for-103) from beyond the arc in 2019-20, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. Joens also finished among the program's best from beyond the arc with 90 treys, 14th in program annals.

Patterson's track record dates back to his time working with both the men's and women's basketball programs at WashU.

During his time with the Bears, Patterson helped coach the women's team to a 72-12 record and three University Athletic Association Championships. WashU advanced to the NCAA Tournament in all three of his seasons, highlighted by back-to-back Elite Eight appearances in 2015 and 2016. The WashU coaching staff also earned UAA Coaching Staff of the Year honors during two of Patterson’s seasons (2014, 2015).

Before joining Fahey’s staff, Patterson served as a part-time assistant coach for the WashU men’s basketball program from 2010-13. During Patterson's three seasons on Mark Edwards’ staff, the Bears posted a 54-26 (.675) record, won two UAA championships and advanced to a pair of NCAA Tournaments. Prior to joining the collegiate ranks, Patterson coached three seasons at Pattonville High School, and also brings with him three seasons of coaching in the club basketball ranks.

Patterson received his associate of arts degree from John A. Logan College in 2004, and his bachelor’s degree in education from Fontbonne University in 2007. Patterson graduated from Carterville High School (Ill.) and was an all-state honorable mention basketball selection in 2001 and 2002. He went on to play two seasons at John A. Logan and one at Fontbonne.

Patterson and his wife, Erin, have two children, Reese and Jack.

Updated Sept. 2021.