Former Austin Peay coach Patrick Kugler arrested, charged in human trafficking investigation in Tennessee

Patrick Kugler, who just lately served as co-offensive coordinator for Austin Peay State University’s soccer crew, was taken into police custody this week. 

He was arrested as a part of a human trafficking probe.

Kugler has resigned from his assistant teaching position with the Governors. 

He was considered one of six suspects arrested throughout an undercover human trafficking operation, in line with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations. The operation was launched earlier this month.

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Investigators positioned decoy ads on web sites in an effort to “identify individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with minors,” the company mentioned in a launch.

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The Austin Peay athletic division mentioned it was “aware” of Kugler’s arrest and confirmed he stepped down Aug. 18.

Michigan offensive lineman Patrick Kugler on the sideline in the course of the second quarter of a recreation in opposition to the Air Force Falcons Sept. 16, 2017, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich.  (Lon Horwedel/Icon Sportswire through Getty Images)

“Austin Peay State University is aware of the arrest of former football assistant coach Patrick Kugler, who resigned his position on Sunday, Aug. 18. The Clarksville Police Department are the lead authorities for the arrest, and any additional questions should be directed to them. Austin Peay will have no further comments on the matter,” the college mentioned in an announcement.

Kugler’s bond was set at $5,000.

Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Patrick Kugler earlier than a recreation in opposition to the Maryland Terrapins Nov. 11, 2017, at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium, in College Park, Md. (Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire through Getty Images)

Kugler’s bio on Austin Peay’s web site not appeared energetic as of late Friday afternoon. His profile on X, previously Twitter, additionally appears to have been deactivated.

Before becoming a member of the teaching ranks, Kugler was an offensive lineman for Michigan. He appeared in 25 video games throughout his stint with the Wolverines. 

Kugler’s father, Sean Kugler, spent 5 seasons as the pinnacle coach for UTEP and was additionally an assistant coach for a number of groups, most just lately serving because the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line coach till his termination in 2022. 

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Sean Kugler was fired amid allegations he groped a girl whereas the Cardinals have been in Mexico City for a recreation in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers. Kugler employed attorneys to conduct an investigation into the declare. He spent the 2024 season teaching the UFL’s DC Defenders offensive line.

Austin Peay completed the 2023 common season with a 9-3 report. The Governors open their season Aug. 31 in opposition to the Louisville Cardinals.

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