Patrick Kugler, who until recently served as co-offensive coordinator for Austin Peay State University’s football team, was taken into police custody this week.
He was arrested as part of a human trafficking investigation.
Kugler resigned from his position as an assistant coach with the Governors.
He was one of six suspects arrested in an undercover human trafficking investigation that began earlier this month, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
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An Austin Peay Governors helmet rests on the sideline during a game between the Chattanooga Moccasins and Austin Peay Governors at Finley Stadium on September 2, 2021 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Charles Mitchell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
In a statement, investigators said the bait-and-switch ads were placed on the website with the aim of “identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with minors.”
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Austin Peay’s athletic department said it was “aware” of Kugler’s arrest and confirmed that he resigned on Aug. 18.
Michigan State offensive lineman Patrick Kugler stands on the sideline during the second quarter of a game against the Air Force Falcons at Michigan Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Ron Howedel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“Austin Peay State University is aware of the arrest of former assistant football coach Patrick Kugler, who resigned on Sunday, Aug. 18. The lead agency in the arrest was the Clarksville Police Department, and any additional questions should be directed to the department. Austin Peay State University will not be commenting further on this matter,” the university said in a statement.
Kugler’s bail was set at $5,000.
University of Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Patrick Kugler is photographed before a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on November 11, 2017 in College Park, Maryland. (Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kugler’s profile on Austin Peay’s website was no longer active as of late Friday afternoon, and his profile on X (formerly Twitter) also appears to be inactive.
Prior to joining the coaching staff, Kugler was an offensive lineman at the University of Michigan. He played in 25 games during his time with the Wolverines.
Kugler’s father, Sean Kugler, was the head coach at UTEP for five seasons and also served as an assistant coach with several teams, most recently as the offensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals until his retirement in 2022.
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Sean Kugler was fired following allegations that he groped a woman while the Cardinals were in Mexico City for a game against the San Francisco 49ers. Kugler has hired an attorney to investigate the allegations. He spent the 2024 season as offensive line coach for the UFL’s DC Defenders.
Austin Peay finished the 2023 regular season with a 9-3 record. The Governors open the season on Aug. 31 against the Louisville Cardinals.
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