Duane Vaughn was hired as Western Michigan's outside linebackers coach/co-defensive coordinator in February of 2026. Vaughn comes 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.
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.
Vaughn served as coach of the Paladins’ outside linebackers and as recruiting coordinator in 2017 and ‘18, during which time he oversaw the development of Adrian Hope, who led the FCS with 15.5 sacks en route to earning All-America honors as a redshirt freshman on Furman’s 2018 SoCon championship team.
He served as coach of the Paladin safeties for two years (2015-16) and tight ends coach for three campaigns (2012-14), which included Furman’s 2013 SoCon championship. He began his coaching career as an offensive assistant with the Paladins in 2011.
In addition to his work with Hope, Vaughn played a key role in the development of a pair of highly regarded tight ends, including two-time consensus All-Southern Conference and FCS All-America performer Colin Anderson and all-conference performer Duncan Fletcher.
In 2016 Vaughn directed the work of All-SoCon safety Trey Robinson, a free agent signee of the New York Giants, while also overseeing the development of 2017 & ‘18 All-SoCon safety Aaquil Annoor.
A native of Clarksville, Tenn., he played running back and safety at Davidson Academy, twice earning all-state honors.
Vaughn enrolled at Vanderbilt in the fall of 2007 and was a member of the Commodore football program, lettering as a senior special teams contributor in 2010. He was named to the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll all four years before graduating with a degree in secondary education and history.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT DUANE VAUGHN
Micah Robinson
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"
Gene Chizik
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!"
Clay Hendrix
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."
