There was sad news out of the football world as Greg Patrick, a former USFL assistant coach and Arizona Wildcats defensive line coach passed away at the age of 53.
The news was announced by the USFL, who also paid tribute to linebacker Jessie Lemonier, who recently passed away as well.
— USFL (@USFL) January 27, 2023
“It is with heavy hearts we share our deepest sympathies on the recent passing of two members of the USFL family, coach Greg Patrick and linebacker Jessie Lemonier,” the league said in a statement. “Greg was a former assistant coach on defense for the New Orleans Breakers who helped guide the team to a playoff berth last season. Jessie recently signed to play for the Birmingham Stallions.”
Patrick played collegiately at Brown University and spent some time in the Canadian Football League before moving over to the coaching ranks. A defensive coordinator on state championship teams at Chandler Valley Christian and Scottsdale Chaparral, he parlayed that success into a role as a football analyst at Arizona before working as a defensive line coach under Kevin Sumlin. He then spent 2021 as an assistant defensive line coach for the USFL’s New Orleans Breakers.
“Greg was an excellent coach who had a passion for teaching young people,” said Arizona State special teams coordinator Charlie Ragle, who previously worked with Patrick. “He was extremely bright and fiercely competitive. I will miss his friendship and loyalty. My heart breaks for his young son, his brother, and his mom and dad. All great people.”
