MACOMB, Ill. (AP)—Western Illinois football coach Don Patterson says he’s resigning because of health concerns.
Patterson has battled tonsillar cancer. In a statement released by the university, he says the illness and its subsequent treatments have taken a toll.
Patterson says his latest checkup showed that he’s cancer-free, but the lingering effects of radiation and chemotherapy have affected him more than expected.
His resignation was effective Friday.
Patterson was a former assistant coach at Iowa. He was diagnosed with cancer last year.
Patterson led the FCS school to three playoff berths, a pair of conference titles and a No. 1 national ranking in his 11-year career. His record was 63-47.
Assistant head coach Mark Hendrickson will take over as interim coach.
