Patterson is the former athletic director of the University of Texas, and the former president and general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Patterson attended the University of Texas, graduating with honors with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1980.
He became the general manager after John Nash's contract was not renewed in May 2006, and served in both roles until resigning on March 1, 2007.
On November 5, 2013, Patterson returned to his alma mater as the University of Texas's athletic director, replacing the retiring DeLoss Dodds.
On July 12, 2017, Patterson was appointed president and CEO of the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL).