Concord Mourns Passing of Assistant Coach Pat Dawson

ATHENS, W.Va. – With deepest sympathy, the Concord University Athletic Department is saddened to announce the passing of assistant football coach Pat Dawson.

Dawson had been with the program since 2011 when he arrived on campus to work with the defensive line. He served as the defensive line coach for the Mountain Lions from 2011-2015. From there, Dawson added defensive coordinator to his title for the 2016 season.

"This program and this generation has lost a great man and coach," Concord head football coach Paul Price said. "I have been specially blessed to work beside him over the past several years. I know that my world is better because of him and he will be forever missed."

Both Price and Dawson were defensive assistant coaches together at CU from 2011-2015 when both received promotions, Price to head coach and Dawson to defensive coordinator.

Since arriving at Concord in 2011, Dawson coached nine all-conference defensive lineman with the list including Silas Agyemang, Keith Ferguson, Will Greathouse, Darryl Johnson, Spenser Jordan Josh Miller, Ervin Moore, Anthony Pyle and Brandon Taylor. Most recently, Dawson coached Johnson to a spot on the All-MEC Second Team in 2016 and a professional contract with the Dodge City Law of Champion Indoor Football.

Dawson was instrumental for the 2011 WVIAC Championship team and again in 2014 when Concord made school history. During the 2014 season, CU won a Mountain East Conference Championship, a Super Region One Title and advanced to the NCAA Division II Semifinals.

Before taking over as defensive coordinator, Dawson was the recruiting coordinator under previous head coach Garin Justice for a stint, helping recruit several players that contributed to the 2014 success.

During the 2014 season, Dawson's defensive linemen accounted for 26 sacks, six forced fumbles and six blocked kicks, one of which was batted down by Johnson and helped clinch the MEC Championship at Shepherd.

"The Concord Athletics family is deeply saddened by this tragic and sudden loss," Concord Director of Athletics Kevin Garrett said. "Pat was one of those unique coaches that made everyone around him a better person. His zest for coaching and for life was contagious and inspiring. All of our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

NOTE: The viewing for Pat Dawson will be Tuesday, July 18 from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Dunmire-Kerr Funeral Home, 244 Franklin Avenue, Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. The funeral will take place Wednesday, July 19 at St. Gertrude's Catholic Church, 303 Franklin Avenue, Vandergrift, Pennsylvania.