SHOCKING: Michigan Football Coach arrested on human trafficking charge

Michigan Wolverine and Austin Peay assistant coach Patrick Kugler was arrested in connection with a human trafficking operation. Kugler, who served as the co-Offensive Coordinator for the Austin Peay Governors, resigned on August 18 following his arrest.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) conducted an undercover operation targeting human trafficking in Montgomery County. The operation involved placing fake advertisements on websites associated with trafficking and prostitution, resulting in the arrest of six individuals, including Kugler.

Kugler was charged with one count of trafficking for sexual servitude, and his bond was set at $5,000.

Kugler played offensive line for the Michigan Wolverines from 2013 to 2017 under coaches Jim Harbaugh and Brady Hoke. Following his arrest, both the Michigan Wolverines’ and Austin Peay’s websites appear to have removed his pages from their databases.

Austin Peay’s Athletic Department released a statement acknowledging Kugler’s arrest and resignation, stating, “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.”

In addition to the six arrests, the Clarksville Police Department and the TBI were able to recover seven potential victims of human trafficking during the operation. The TBI stated, “As a result of this part of the operation, seven individuals were recovered as potential victims of human trafficking and were offered services through an HT victim service organization.”

Details regarding Kugler’s court date or further legal proceedings have not been released beyond his bond amount.