By: Katie Dewey
Veteran offensive line coach, Jirgens, from Toronto, Kan., enters his 19th season of coaching as he joins the NEO staff from Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Miss. Known as a motivator and a teacher, he has coached 26 All-American linemen, and 40 of his former players have gone to play at the levels of football currently known as the Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A) and Football Championship Subdivision (I-AA).
“Chris brings experience, understands what it takes to win national titles, and does a fantastic job with our offensive linemen,” said Head Coach, Sherard Poteete.
McLaughlin is entering his first season as an assistant coach for the Golden Norsemen. McLaughlin has spent the last two seasons as an offensive assistant at Louisiana College in Pineville, La. In addition to serving as quarterbacks coach, he will also be the football web and film coordinator.
McLaughlin was a four-year starter at quarterback for the Louisiana College Wildcats. Coach Sherard Poteete, NEO head football coach, was McLaughlin's quarterback coach and offensive coordinator at Louisiana College from 2006-2009. McLaughlin holds career-passing records for the American Southwest Conference in passing yards and passing touchdowns. He holds nearly all major single season and career passing records at Louisiana College. In his four years, he completed 931-of-1,499 pass attempts for 12,055 yards and 111 touchdowns. In 39 career games, he averaged 309.1 passing yards per contest and had a 62 percent completion percentage.
“Ben is an extremely intelligent young coach, that does a great job communicating with our quarterbacks,” Poteete said. “He has a bright future in this profession.”
Poteete coached McLaughlin for four years at Louisiana College.
Patterson comes to NEO from West Hills Community College in Calif. He played at NEO in 2004. Patterson finished his collegiate career at Kansas State. He was an All-American for the Golden Norsemen. Patterson has spent several years coaching high school football, most recently at Wichita East in Wichita, Kan. Patterson also has several years of experience playing in arena and indoor leagues. Patterson is a native of Chicago, Ill. and graduated high school from Gordon S. Hubbard.
“It's always good to bring a former Norseman back. They know what is expected,” Poteete said. “Chris has made a positive impact on our youth, and he will do a tremendous job.”
Staff members are currently preparing for their spring game, scheduled for Saturday, May 4, at 2 p.m. There is no cost to attend the game, and everyone is encouraged to show their support for the Golden Norsemen.
