Patterson file

Patterson began his career as a graduate assistant at Montana, where he played defensive line for one season in 1981.

He's serving his second stint with the Vikings, previously coaching Minnesota's defensive linemen during the 1998 and 1999 seasons.

Hired by Mike Zimmer for a third time in 2000 as the Cowboys D-line coach.

He has coached with Zimmer at four stops: Weber State, Washington State, the Dallas Cowboys and the Vikings.