Lane College football coach Stanley Conner has stepped down, with athletic director Jeremy C. Patterson set to lead the Dragons for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The college announced the change Tuesday, saying Patterson will serve as interim head coach while continuing his duties as director of intercollegiate athletics.
Lane’s current football coaching staff will remain in place, and the college plans to provide an update on the program’s long-term leadership after the season.
The Dragons are currently 0-8 on the season.
Conner joined Lane in February 2025, bringing nearly four decades of coaching experience to the Jackson, Tennessee, school.
He previously coached at Alabama State, Alabama A&M, Benedict College and Miles College, along with several high schools across Alabama.
Lane President Donald W. Comer praised Conner’s commitment to developing student-athletes and thanked him for his service to the program.
“Coach Conner has given his life to developing young men through this game, and he brought that same commitment to Lane College,” Comer said in a statement. “We are grateful for his service to the Dragons, we have great respect for him, and we wish him and his family every success in the next chapter.”
Conner also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the Dragons.
“I am grateful to Lane College for the opportunity to lead this program, and to our players for their hard work and commitment,” Conner said. “I wish them and the College continued success.”
Patterson takes over a program he knows from his previous coaching experience. He served as Lane’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2021 and 2022 before moving on to coaching positions at Mississippi Valley State University and Ouachita Baptist University.
His appointment provides Lane with an interim leader familiar with the program as the Dragons navigate the remainder of their season. Patterson said the priority will be supporting the players and keeping the team focused.
“Our focus is on our student-athletes and on finishing this season together,” Patterson said. “I want to thank Coach Conner for his commitment to these young men. They have worked hard, and we will support them every step of the way.”
Lane did not provide a reason for Conner’s departure or specify when the search for a permanent head coach would begin. The college said it would share information about the program’s future leadership after the season.
