Bio

Patrick Ross currently serves as General Manager of Football Operations at Graceland University, transitioning into the role in July 2025 after two seasons as Head Football Coach. In his new capacity, Ross will focus on strategic priorities for the program, including recruiting, player placement, program development, and coach mentorship, while continuing to shape the future of Yellowjacket football from an administrative leadership position.

Ross was hired as Head Football Coach on December 23, 2022, and led a remarkable turnaround of the program during his two-year tenure on the sideline:

• Snapped a 31-game losing streak in just his second game with a 46-35 win over Evangel.

• Boosted offensive production from 190 yards per game to 415.8 YPG.

• Elevated scoring from 8 points per game to 28 PPG.

• Directed the team to the #2 passing offense and #10 total offense in the NAIA.

• Led Graceland to its first winning season since 2007.

• Achieved the program’s first Top 25 national ranking in over a decade, peaking at #18.

• Guided the Yellowjackets to their first win over a ranked opponent in 16 years with a victory over #7 Benedictine.

Across his 18-season head coaching career, Ross has compiled a 118-68 record, with appearances in the NAIA Football Championship Series six times and two selections as NAIA National Coach of the Year.

Prior to his arrival at Graceland, Ross served 15 seasons at Lindenwood University, where he built a national powerhouse. He led the Lions to a 90-49 record, three HAAC championships, and a trip to the 2009 NAIA National Championship game. He later guided Lindenwood through its successful transition to NCAA Division II, earning a bowl berth in the 2013 NCAA Division II Mineral Water Bowl. He is still the winningest head coach in Lindenwood history and holds the highest win percentage in program history (.650).

Ross also spent two seasons as Head Coach at Ottawa University (KS), where he went 14-7, won a KCAC title, and reached the NAIA playoffs. Before that, he served as Defensive Coordinator at Kansas Wesleyan University.

Ross has helped 16 players reach the NFL, with many more signing contracts in other professional football leagues.

He and his wife Stacey reside in Lamoni and are the proud parents of Peyton, Caden, and Shaelene.