INDIANAPOLIS - Head coach Kevin Lynch has announced the hiring of Will Patterson as Butler's new defensive line coach and run-game coordinator. A former student-athlete at Indiana University, Patterson previously held coaching positions at Lawrence North and Lawrence Central.

"I have known Coach Patterson for over 20 years, and I could not be more excited to have him join our staff," Lynch said. "Will is a great leader and mentor and will make a positive impact on our student-athletes each and every day. He will always represent Butler University in a first-class manner, and we are thrilled to have him join our staff ahead of the 2026 season."

"I am fired up to be part of the Bulldog family! I have known the Lynch family for a long time having played for Bill Sr. at Indiana, so it is so exciting to work with Kevin here at Butler," said Patterson. "I look forward to bringing a standard of excellence to our defensive group and I am excited to see Bulldog Nation at the Sellick Bowl this fall!"

Patterson was a standout linebacker at Indiana, starting all four seasons he spent in Bloomington. He earned All-Big Ten honors, Freshman All-America honors and was a team captain in 2008 and 2009. After finishing his career with the Hoosiers, Patterson joined the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent.

After his stint with the Texans, Patterson played in the UFL with the Virginia Destroyers and in the Indoor Football League with the Iowa Barnstormers.

While at Lawrence Central, Patterson helped revitalize the football program, leading the Bears to a second-place finish in the MIC Conference. He coached 35 student-athletes who went on to play collegiately and mentored 32 All-MIC Conference players during his six years at the helm. During his tenure, 26 student-athletes earned Academic All-State honors, and Patterson helped raise the team GPA to 3.21 from 2.67.

Patterson graduated from Indiana with a Bachelor of Science in sport communication, with minors in sport marketing and management, as well as telecommunications. As a weak-side linebacker for the Hoosiers, Patterson earned the Harold Mauro Award following the 2009 season. The award is given annually to the Indiana University football player who best exemplifies the values demonstrated by Harold Mauro. Patterson finished his career with 267 tackles, including 173 solo tackles, in 38 career starts. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in education through Purdue University.