El Paso, TX (Sports Network) - Sean Kugler is returning home to become the head football coach at UTEP.
Kugler, currently the offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, played for the Miners from 1985-88 and was an assistant coach from 1993-2000. He'll replace Mike Price, who announced his retirement in November.
"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to be the next head coach at UTEP," said Kugler in a statement through the school on Monday. "I'm hoping to build on the tremendous job that was done by coach Price and his staff. I have been the Miners' biggest supporter from afar, and the job coach Price and his staff did was outstanding. I can't wait to work with the players in the near future. I spent 13 years as a player and coach at UTEP and loved every minute of it. I'm excited about starting a new chapter in my coaching career at a place that has so many fond memories."
Kugler is in his third season with the Steelers and has also been an NFL assistant with Buffalo (2007-09) and Detroit (2001-05).
In addition to his tenure with UTEP, the 46-year-old Kugler was also a collegiate assistant at Boise State in 2006.
"We're so pleased to get Sean back at UTEP," said UTEP athletic director Bob Stull. "I've known him since he was a player here, including as a member of our 10-win team in 1988. He has gone on to become a terrific coach, from working with our WAC championship squad in 2000 to being a part of the Boise State team that was undefeated in 2006 and coaching in the Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He brings a lot of enthusiasm and experience and, most importantly, has a great love for UTEP and the city of El Paso."
Kugler will take over a UTEP squad that finished 3-9 in 2012.
