Patrick Covington is in his third season serving as Lamar University’s offensive coordinator while coaching the offensive line. Covington comes to Beaumont after spending 10 years at Coastal Carolina working with the Chanticleers’ offensive line – the final season he accepted the added title of assistant head coach.
In his first season on staff with LU, Covington led one of the nation’s youngest offensive lines through the rigors of the Southland Conference schedule. On opening day, Big Red’s starting front consisted of two sophomores and three freshmen, with a total of seven freshmen on the depth chart. By season’s end, due to some injuries, the starting front was four freshmen and a sophomore. Despite the lack of experience, the Cards young linemen improved each week. Entering 2022, the Cardinals O-Line now has another year of experience under its belt, but all five starters return as just sophomores.
During his time on staff at Coastal Carolina, Covington’s line twice led the Sun Belt in fewest sacks allowed and he produced 18 all-conference selections, including three All-Americans – Jamey Cheatwood, Chad Hamilton and Voghens Larrieux. His lines also protected for several players who would go on to be finalists for the Walter Payton Award.
In 2018, the Chants’ offense led the Sun Belt and ranked in the top 25 nationally in rushing yards per game, red zone offense, time of possession, first downs and both third- and fourth-down conversion percentage for much of the season. CCU finished the year ranked in the top 10 nationally in fourth-down conversion percentage (68.8), fewest penalties (52), fewest penalties per game (4.33) and fewest penalty yards (493).
During the 2015 season, the line helped CCU lead the Big South in eight different categories, including passing offense, red zone offense and total offense. That season coming on the heels of a 2014 campaign that watched the Chanticleers head back to the NCAA FCS playoffs and finish the regular season with a perfect 11-0 record and ranked No. 1 in the nation during the final two weeks of the regular season. CCU led the nation in fourth down conversions while also ranking among the nation’s top 20 in first downs, third-down conversions, scoring offense and total offense.
While Coastal’s line helped the Chanticleers set numerous records and produce several All-Americans and Walter Payton Award candidates, their biggest point pride came from preventing defenses from gaining an advantage. In 2013, the Chanticleers led the nation in fewest tackles for losses allowed per game (3.33) while also ranking among the nation’s leaders in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.33 pg).
The foundation for CCU’s front line was established early on during Covington’s tenure in Conway. During his first season, Covington inherited a veteran group which had allowed 25 sacks during each of the previous two seasons, and in his first year surrendered just seven – and never more than one in any game that season.
Prior to returning to Coastal Carolina, Covington spent three years at the Air Force Academy working with the Falcon’s offense. In 2009, Covington helped the Falcons to an 8-5 record and a victory over Houston in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. Covington worked closely with the offensive line for three years, which was one of the best in the league and finished second nationally in rushing with an average of 299.5 yards per game in 2007. The Falcons won their 26th conference rushing title in 2009 and third-straight with Covington’s assistance.
Covington was an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Coastal Carolina for the 2006 season and was part of a coaching staff that led the Chanticleers to the Big South Conference championship with a 9-3 record.
Covington is a 2006 graduate of Furman University. He was a three-year starter and four-year letterwinner for the Paladins from 2002-05. A two-time All-Southern Conference selection, he was rated as the No. 6 guard in all of NCAA FCS (then I-AA) football by The Sports Network. He garnered Sports Network first-team All-American and second-team AP All-American honors during his career. Covington also received Strength and Conditioning All-America honors during his career.
A native of Charlotte, N.C., Covington attended Myers Park High School where he was a three-year starter and served as a team captain. He is married to the former Ann Louise Duncan. The couple has a son, Gus, and a daughter, Annie.
