Former Pike Road head coach Patrick Browning accepts new college coaching job

Former Pike Road High head coach Patrick Browning has accepted a new job as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Prairie View A&M.

Browning spent the 2023 season as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Alabama State. This will be Browning’s second tenure at Prairie View.

“I am truly humbled and honored to join the coaching staff at Prairie View A&M University,” he said in a prepared statement. “This opportunity is a blessing for which I thank God, as it represents not just a professional milestone but also a wonderful new chapter for my family.

“We are thrilled and grateful for this move, excited to embrace the community and committed to contributing positively both on and off the field. I am eager to work alongside the talented athletes and the dedicated coaching staff at Prairie View A&M.”

In his one year with the Hornets, Browning helped the team to a 7-4 record and his quarterback, UAB transfer Damon Stewart, passed for 1,655 yards and 11 TDs.

“I definitely enjoy coaching in college,” he said. “I never will rule out returning to high school, but I’m enjoying this opportunity while it lasts and plan to make the most out of it.”

Browning will start his new job this week. He started the Pike Road program and led the Patriots to a 14-0 season and the Class 5A state title in 2021. He finished with a 42-7 record in four varsity seasons. He spent one year as head coach at Greenville High before making the transition back to college coaching at Alabama State last year.

He grew up in Ashland and played high school football for Hall of Fame coach Danny Horn. He served as a volunteer student assistant at Auburn, spent three years as an assistant coach at Beauregard, three years as offensive coordinator at Dadeville and one year as quarterbacks coach at Prairie View A&M before taking over at Pike Road.

“The head coach at Prairie View now (Bubba McDowell) was the defensive backs coach when I was there the first time,” Browning said. “The coaching profession is a lot like any other profession. It’s all about relationships and your network. Coach McDowell is a great coach and a great person. I’m just thankful for this opportunity.”