Defensive Assistant Coach
Former Washington Redskins Clarence Vaughn joins the Beaver coaching staff as a defensive assistant for the 2009 season as part of the NFLPA (NFL Players Association)/NCAA Coaching Internship Program.
“I am excited that Bluffton was chosen as a host school for the NFLPA/NCAA Coaching Internship Program,” said Beavers head coach Tyson Veidt. “It is a privilege to have Coach Vaughn on our team this year. His experiences as a successful student-athlete and an NFL professional will bring a lot of energy to our team.”
Vaughn, originally from Chicago, Ill., played football, basketball and baseball at Gage Park High School. In 1982, he went to Northern Illinois University where he received a 4-year football scholarship. As a linebacker for the Huskies, he lead the team in tackles (92) his senior year. Vaughn holds a bachelors degree in criminal justice and a minor in business administration from Northern Illinois University.
In 1987, Vaughn was drafted in the eighth round by the Washington Redskins. In his first NFL start against the Arizona Cardinals, he had 13 solo tackles. That year the Redskins went on to win Super Bowl XXII against the Denver Broncos. Vaughn won his second Super Bowl in 1992 against the Buffalo Bills, Super Bowl XXVI. He retired from the NFL in 1993.
“My goal is to win a Super Bowl as an NFL head coach,” said Vaughn. “So, being a part of the coaching internship program is a great way to improve my coaching skills. I am excited to be at Bluffton this fall and I look forward to working with the student-athletes and making a positive impact on their lives.”
The NFLPA/NCAA Internship Program was introduced in 2006 as a NFLPA and NFL Player Development Department initiative, in conjunction with the NCAA and AFCA (American Football Coaches Association). The program is designed to expose retired players to the inner workings of the college coaching profession and provide them with an opportunity to network in the field, while learning and building through their experience.
“The NFLPA/NCAA Coaching Internship Program is a win-win opportunity for former NFL players interested in making the transition to coaching and NCAA D-III football programs who can benefit from the NFL players experiences,” said Veidt.
