Taylor Remembers Hall of Fame Coach Paul Patterson

Paul Patterson, Taylor University’s Hall of Fame men’s basketball coach led his team to more than 700 wins, numerous conference championships, and a Final Four, died Monday after a lengthy illness. He was 78.

Paul Patterson, Taylor University’s Hall of Fame men’s basketball coach led his team to more than 700 wins, numerous conference championships, and a Final Four, died Monday in an extended care facility in Mooresville, Indiana after a lengthy illness. He was 78.

Patterson ended a 34-year career at Taylor after the 2012-2013 season. During his tenure, the Trojans won 734 games and 15 league championships. The team made 14 trips to the NAIA National Tournament, where they reached the Sweet 16 twice and the Final Four once (1991).

Patterson's teams posted 28 winning seasons, won at least 20 games in 23-of-34 campaigns and registered 10-straight years with 25-or-more victories from 1984 through 1994.

He was named Coach-of-the Year 12 times and was the NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1991. Patterson is also a member in the NAIA, Taylor, Hanover College, Indiana Basketball, Grant County, and Hammond Sports Halls of Fame.

When he retired in 2013, Patterson ranked second in wins among all active NAIA Division II men's basketball head coaches, 11th among all men's basketball collegiate coaches on any level and tops among all collegiate men's basketball coaches in the state of Indiana.

Twenty-four of Patterson’s players achieved NAIA All-American honors and every student-athlete who played four seasons for him at Taylor earned their college degree.

Patterson is survived by his wife, Phyllis; two children, Shannon Patterson and Michelle (Chris) Bombei; and two granddaughters.

View arrangements for visitation and celebration of life service here.