Chip Vaughn enters his first season as the Defensive Coordinator for Shaw University Football, bringing a strong background in both player development and defensive strategy at the collegiate and professional levels. A former NFL safety and Super Bowl champion, Vaughn brings championship-level experience and leadership to the Bears' coaching staff.
Before arriving at Shaw, Vaughn served as an assistant coach at Morgan State where he coached the Defensive Ends & Outside Linebackers. Morgan State was ranked #21 nationally (FCS) in total defense. Under Coach Vaughn’s tutelage, Elijah Williams earned MEAC Player of The Year, finished #7 nationally in sacks, and earned All-America honors. Williams went on to sign a contract with the Minnesota Vikings as UDFA.
Prio to Morgan St., Vaughn served as the Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach at Lake Erie College, where he implemented aggressive, fundamentally sound defensive schemes and mentored one of the top-performing secondary units in the conference. His coaching acumen has been recognized nationally, including invitations to coach at the 2023 AFCA Convention and selection to the prestigious 2020 AFCA 35 Under 35 Leadership Institute.
Prior to Lake Erie, Vaughn held the role of Assistant Director of Player Personnel at the University of Illinois, contributing to recruiting and talent development in the Big Ten. He also spent two seasons with the New York Jets as a Defensive Assistant, working with the safeties and helping develop young talent at the NFL level.
Vaughn’s coaching journey includes successful stops at Air Force, where his secondary helped the Falcons finish in the top 20 nationally in total defense, and at Fayetteville State, where his units consistently ranked among the best in the CIAA. His early coaching career was shaped through the NFLPA Coaching Internship Program, with formative roles at Winston-Salem State University and the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
As a player, Vaughn starred at Wake Forest University, where he was an All-ACC safety and key contributor on the 2006 ACC Championship team. He was selected in the 4th round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints and was part of their Super Bowl XLIV championship roster. He also spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts before transitioning into coaching.
A native of Fairfax, Virginia, Vaughn holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and religion from Wake Forest and is pursuing an MBA from Fayetteville State. He is married to Erin Vaughn, and together they have two children: Luna/4yr & Atlas/1yr.
