LAS VEGAS – Former Denver Broncos defensive line coach Andre Patterson has joined the UNLV Rebels football staff.

Rebels head coach Mike Sanford announced the hire Friday.

Patterson, 47, was a defensive line coach for the Broncos during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He held similar positions with the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings.

Patterson was head coach at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo in the mid-1990s and was named American West Conference Coach of the Year in 1994.

The Rebels went 2-9 overall, and 1-6 in the Mountain West Conference in 2007.

The team opens spring practice Monday, and begin the 2008 season at home Aug. 30 against Utah State.