KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Western Michigan head football coach Lance Taylor has announced the hiring of Duane Vaughn to the position of Outside Linebackers Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator, Casey McHugh as Safeties Coach and Lorenzo Jackson as Defensive Line Coach.

 

WMU has also hired Ben Feist, previously at Vanderbilt, as a defensive line analyst. 

 

Duane Vaughn comes to Western Michigan from Furman, where he spent 13 seasons, including five as the defensive coordinator. With the Paladins, Vaughn's defenses ranked regularly among the best in the nation. Vaughn helped Furman to two-straight 10-win seasons and appearances in the NCAA FCS Playoffs, including a second-round appearance in 2023. Those two seasons also saw the Paladins finish the season in the Top 10 of the final FCS rankings. 

 

"I'm thrilled to join Western Michigan University under Head Coach Lance Taylor and Defensive Coordinator Greer Martini," said Vaughn. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a championship staff building something special in Kalamazoo. Coach Taylor's vision and leadership, paired with Coach Martini's defensive expertise, create the perfect environment to thrive. I'm eager to bring my passion and experience to help elevate the Broncos' defense and compete at the highest level in the MAC and beyond. Go Broncos!"

 

In the past four seasons, Vaughn's defense have had 13 All-Southern Conference selections. In his time at Furman he has also produced All-Americans Adrian Hope and Colin Anderson. Vaughn also oversaw the development of Micah Robinson, a 2025 seventh-round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers.

 

"We are excited to welcome Duane Vaughn to our football family," said Taylor. "Duane is an exceptional defensive coach who brings great energy, valuable experience, and a proven ability to develop playmakers. His work at Furman demonstrates the standard he coaches to — disciplined, physical, and fundamentally sound defenses that compete at a high level. He is passionate about teaching the game, building meaningful relationships with his players, and holding everyone to a championship standard both on and off the field. I have no doubt that Duane will make an immediate and lasting impact on our defense and in our locker room."

 

 

2025 7th Round NFL Draft Pick to the Packers, Furman University

"Coach Vaughn is the definition of high energy and high standards. He's all about ball, no shortcuts and no excuses. He pushes players to give everything they've got every single day. I think what sets him apart is how well he knows his guys inside and out, using that connection to bring out their best on the field. And off the field, he's just as impactful by trying to build real bonds between teammates and creating a brotherhood that plays harder, smarter, and stronger together"

 

Former Auburn Head Coach 

"Western Michigan just added a rising star to their coaching roster. Duane Vaughn is detailed, innovative, has incredible energy, and connects well with the players. His defenses always play at a Championship level and I've personally seen how young players are developed under his watch. This is a great win for both Coach Vaughn and Western Michigan University!"  

 

Head Coach, Furman University

"Duane is incredibly bright, loyal and hardworking.  He will get his players to play a very high level and he will hold them accountable.  He will also have a great relationship with the players and the coaching staff."

 

Casey McHugh joins the Broncos after two seasons as a defensive analyst and assistant defensive backs coach at Notre Dame. Prior to his time with the Fighting Irish he spent a season as a defensive graduate assistant at Oklahoma State, where he worked with the linebackers. McHugh also spent four seasons at Old Dominion, where he was a defensive graduate assistant for three seasons and an Offensive Quality Control. He was also a quarterbacks coach at Delaware State University in 2019. 

 

" I am excited to welcome Casey McHugh to our staff. Casey brings a strong football IQ, great energy, and experience from a championship-caliber program like Notre Dame," said Taylor. "He has a proven ability to develop defensive backs and connect with players. I am confident he will make a positive impact on our safeties room and continue to elevate our defense."

 

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the staff at Western Michigan University," added McHugh. "I want to sincerely thank Coach Taylor for the trust he has placed in me to lead the safeties. I look forward to contributing to a defense that continues to uphold the high standard that has been established here at WMU."

 

 

Head Coach, Notre Dame

"I am happy for Casey to have this opportunity to coach the safeties at Western Michigan. Casey is prepared for this next step in his career, as he did an excellent job connecting with our players and building relationships with them. He is a strong communicator and teacher and that will help him have success at his next stop."

 

Ricky Rahne 

Head Coach, Old Dominion University

"Casey is one of the best young coaches in America. He has been part of some great defenses and I'm excited to watch the impact he can have in this next phase of his journey."

 

Atlanta Falcons Safety, University of Notre Dame

"Casey was a great coach and even better person to be around. He earned my respect from his hard work and dedication to helping our team make a run at the national championship."

 

Cincinnati Bengals DC, Former Notre Dame DC

"Casey is a very talented coach that happens to be young.  He has experience coaching both Linebackers and Safeties at the highest level and made a tremendous impact on our Defenses at Notre Dame.  In addition, Casey offered valuable insight into our situational football game plans and adjustments.  He is intelligent, unselfish and connects really well with today's student athlete.  The Broncos got a really good football coach and person in Casey McHugh."

 

Lorenzo Jackson comes to Kalamazoo after spending three seasons as the defensive line coach at Lamar. Jackson coached Caleb Williams, one of the top defensive linemen in the Southland Conference, seeing Williams earn Second Team All-Southland Conference honors twice. Jackson was also a defensive graduate assistant at Ohio State for two seasons, helping develop NFL talents Haskell Garret and Tommy Togiai. Jackson also had stops at North Texas as a defensive graduate assistant and earned his coaching start at Grambling State. 

 

"I am proud to welcome Lorenzo Jackson to Western Michigan," added Taylor. "He is a talented young coach who championship level from his time at Ohio State, and has built a reputation for developing physical, disciplined defensive linemen. His experience at Lamar, combined with his attention to detail, make him a great fit for our program. HI believe he will play an important role in the continued growth of our defense and the development of our student-athletes."

 

"I am excited to join the Bronco family as a member of the Western Michigan University football staff," said Jackson. "It is an honor to work alongside Coach Taylor and this great staff. I'm also excited to help develop players who not only compete at a high level on the field but represent the program the right way off of it."

 

 

Defensive Line and Associate Head Coach Ohio State, Associate Head Coach

"Great teacher of technique!! His players play hard with relentless effort. Great job in building his player toolboxes when it comes to pass rush!! Very Organized, in how he teaches drill work!!

 

Defensive Coordinator, Lamar University 

"Great coach but an even better man.  Believes in family and puts a lot of trust & love into his players." Coach Zo maximized his players' potential.  Our DL set the tone with disciplined play and fundamentally sound technique."

 

Head Coach, Lamar University

"Western Michigan is getting a great football Coach. Coach Jackson is a great technician of the game of football, a man of Faith and a great Family Man.  He will bring a positive energy to WMU, and we are so appreciative of the work he did here at Lamar University Football."