The former first-team All-Mid-American Conference tight end at Miami began his coaching career at the school. He spent two seasons as a graduate assistant before joining the staff at Rhode Island in 1995. He spent three seasons with the Rams before going back to Miami for one season, and then to Northwestern.

Northwestern finished 7-5 last season and ranked fourth in NCAA Division I-A in total offense, averaging 500.3 yards per game.

He said the chance to compete for a national championship was the biggest reason for making the move.

“Northwestern was a great place and I had a great seven years there,” Patton said. “But getting a chance to compete for a national championship, I’m really looking forward to that. I know what Oklahoma is all about. Professionally, it’s a great move for me.”

Patton is the second new assistant to join Stoops’ staff since December. After former offensive coordinator Chuck Long left to become head coach at San Diego State and Wilson was promoted, Stoops hired former OU quarterback Josh Heupel as the Sooners’ quarterbacks coach.

Stoops said he deliberately waited until after last week’s National Signing Day to fill the staff vacancy left by Wyatt. He felt most coaches would be uncomfortable leaving so late in the recruiting process.

With recruiting over OU’s staff can now focus on next season. The Sooners begin spring practice March 20.

“It’s the perfect time because we’re going back and analyzing everything we’ve done,” Stoops said.