Jonathan Patke

Biography

Jonathan Patke joined the Blue Devil gridiron program in December 2023 and serves as defensive coordinator. He also coaches Duke’s linebackers. Patke worked for Manny Diaz on three previous defensive staffs, most recently from 2016-21 at Miami, where Patke served as a quality control analyst for two seasons (2016-17) before being elevated to the linebackers coach his final four years (2018-21). The pair also spent time together at Mississippi State and Louisiana Tech. The 2025 season saw some of Patke’s best in-season adjustments as his linebacker group was riddled by injuries. Despite the difficulties, the Blue Devils closed the year on a four-game winning streak to capture the ACC Championship and a bowl crown. Nick Morris Jr. was lost for the season in the fourth game, moving Luke Mergott into the starting position. Mergott went on to produce game-sealing interceptions versus Virginia and Arizona State in the ACC Championship Game and Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl as well as finish with a team second-best 90 tackles. Overall, Patke’s aggressive, attacking style helped Duke finish 11th nationally in fumbles recovered (10), 12th in turnover margin (+0.71), 14th in turnovers gained (24) and 16th in tackles for loss per game (6.6). Cornerback Chandler Rivers repeated as an All-ACC selection while defensive tackle Aaron Hall and defensive ends Vincent Anthony Jr. and Wesley Williams earned all-league honors. During his first season in Durham, Patke guided a standout unit that finishe