To many people, he’s the famous starting center for Indiana football, but Marist alumnus Pat Coogan says he’s just a “totally normal guy.”

“I know my life as an athlete takes up a lot of my time, but outside of football I like to hang out with friends…golf in the summer, and really spend time with my family,” said Coogan.

Coogan grew up in Palos Heights, Illinois to MaryBeth and Mike Coogan. He has three siblings- Michael (‘17), Megan (‘19), and Brigid (‘25). As a child he attended St. Alexander Elementary School before moving into the halls of Marist High School. 

“The four years I spent at Marist were key in setting up my future success,” said Coogan. “I met some of my best friends and made lifelong memories.”

Coogan played on the Marist varsity baseball team, often spotted tossing the ball around with his teammates. He also excelled in football while playing on the offensive line. The skill he had for both was obvious among his coaches, but football guaranteed him something more: a future. 

“Football is something I have always loved, but I never knew how far it could take me,” said Coogan. “I knew I wanted to play in college when I started getting scholarship offers junior year.”

Ohio State, Duke University, LSU, and many other top-ranked schools around the nation reached out to Coogan for their 2021-2022 roster. Coogan went back and forth listing pros and cons but in the end he chased the gold and blue of the University of Notre Dame. 

“I grew as a man, an athlete, and a student during my four years at Notre Dame,” said Coogan. 

Freshman year he was “redshirted,” which meant that he would sit out his first year but receive an extra four years of eligibility for five years total. 

Finally during his junior year Coogan earned his spot on the line, playing in all 16 games of the season, 13 of which at center guard. Throughout that season, the Fighting Irish progressed rapidly holding a record of 14-2. Eventually they earned themselves a spot at the NCAA Championship. 

Unfortunately the Irish lost against the Ohio State Buckeyes: 34-23. 

With new recruits coming in Coogan unfortunately wasn’t promised a spot on the line. Once more he was knocked to the side lines questioning whether to stay or go. With only one year left of eligibility, Coogan entered himself into the NCAA transfer portal. 

As a rising senior Coogan would now move on from the Fighting Irish, and follow the “Hoo-Hoo Hoo Hoosiers” chant to Indiana University.

Coogan’s position was at center, but his title among his team was captain. 

“I try my best to live my life with integrity, humility, and honesty,” said Coogan. “These values directly relate to the person I want to be on and off the field.”

The leadership qualities and skills among Coogan and his teammates became evident when the Hoosiers began winning every game. Soon every home game sold out and Indiana was undefeated. 

On New Year’s Day, Indiana won against Alabama University, killing their tide, and rolling them out of the playoffs.

The Leisham Trophy was not the only award given that game. Amidst the uproar Coogan’s name echoed throughout the California valley. He had earned the MVP Award. The last time an offensive lineman won the MVP was in 1944.

“It was an awesome moment,” said Coogan. “I was very happy to be surrounded by so many loving teammates, family members, and friends.”

Playoffs continued as Indiana went on to defeat Oregon University at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia. The next stop: the NCAA Championship. 

Coogan had been in this position before, but this time losing was not an option. 

“Patrick has always been one to step up a challenge,” said his mom, Mary Beth Coogan. 

On Monday, January 19 fans nationwide tuned in to watch the ultimate face off: Indiana vs. Miami. The stadium went up in cheers as both teams ran in.

“I feel the most pride as a parent every time I see Patrick run out onto the field to play the game he loves so much,” said M.Coogan. 

The game remained neck and neck. Coogan and his teammates held the line until the last minute, and despite home field advantage, the Hoosiers beat Miami University. 

As red and white confetti fell, Coogan took it all in. 

“This last year at IU has been nothing short of a blessing,” said Coogan. “I have met some great new people that I will call close friends for many, many years.”

Taking a few steps, he looked up to see a group of familiar faces. His family. Coogan has never celebrated alone. His loved ones have been supporting him since the beginning. They’ve bundled up in the Marist stands and hosted tailgates in South Bend even when the weather didn’t cooperate. 

“My parents and other family members have always been my biggest supporters,” said Coogan. “They have always had my back in any big decision…always there for advice and guidance when I need it.”

They’d flocked together for watch parties at his family’s restaurant, Franklin’s Public House, and fly across the nation to support #78. 

A mother’s love is like no other, and his mom feels especially proud.

“You can see throughout the years he’s become more comfortable taking on that role [as captain] and truly finds great joy in lifting up his teammates,” she said.

Beyond Coogan’s family, his neighborhood cheered him on too. 

“We have been so appreciative every time we see someone around town and they just want to stop and say congrats,” said Mary Beth Coogan. “The outpouring of well wishes and genuine support has been so amazing.” 

Coogan’s college football career may be over, but he is just getting started. 

“I am going to declare for the NFL Draft,” said Coogan. “God willing, I get picked up by an NFL team and begin a long, healthy, and fruitful professional career.”