Austin Peay Assistant Coach Patrick Kugler Arrested in Human Trafficking Probe

Austin Peay State University assistant football coach Patrick Kugler was arrested as part of an undercover human trafficking operation, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations announced on Friday. The former Michigan offensive lineman resigned from his position following the arrest.

Patrick Kugler, the former co-offensive coordinator for Austin Peay State University's football team, has been arrested in a human trafficking probe. The arrest was part of an undercover operation conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations (TBI).

Austin Peay Assistant Coach Patrick Kugler Arrested in Human Trafficking Probe

Kugler, along with five other suspects, was apprehended after investigators placed decoy advertisements on websites frequented by individuals seeking commercial sex acts with minors. The operation was launched earlier this month.

The Austin Peay athletic department confirmed Kugler's resignation on Aug. 18, stating that they were "aware" of his arrest. The department declined to provide further comment, directing any inquiries to the Clarksville Police Department, which is the lead agency in the investigation.

Austin Peay Assistant Coach Patrick Kugler Arrested in Human Trafficking Probe

Kugler's bond was set at $5,000. As of Friday afternoon, his bio on Austin Peay's website had been removed, and his profile on X (formerly Twitter) appeared to have been deactivated.

Prior to his coaching career, Kugler played offensive line for the University of Michigan. He appeared in 25 games during his stint with the Wolverines.

Austin Peay Assistant Coach Patrick Kugler Arrested in Human Trafficking Probe

Kugler's father, Sean Kugler, was the head coach for UTEP for five seasons and served as an assistant coach for several teams, including the Arizona Cardinals. Sean Kugler was fired from the Cardinals in 2022 following allegations of groping a woman in Mexico City. He later hired attorneys to investigate the claim and spent the 2023 season coaching the UFL's DC Defenders offensive line.

Austin Peay finished the 2023 regular season with a 9-3 record. The Governors will open their 2024 season on Aug. 31 against the Louisville Cardinals.

The arrest of Patrick Kugler marks a concerning development in the fight against human trafficking. It highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and communities to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.