1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 23.1.1










                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement of Patterson Energy, Inc. on Form S-3 (File No. 333-29035) of our
report dated March 10, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements of Patterson Energy, Inc. as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, which is
included in Patterson Energy, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996. We also consent to the reference to our firm
under the caption "Experts."





                                       /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

                                       COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Dallas, Texas
August 5, 1997