WS Chronicle

In above photo: Chip Vaughn

Special to The Chronicle

Chip Vaughn has joined the coaching staff of the Winston-Salem State University football program through the NFLPA Coaching Internship program.

The NFLPA Coaching Internship, built in collaboration with the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), provides transitioning and former NFL players an in-depth, foundational coaching experience.

Selected interns will be able to spend an entire season coaching on the sidelines of an NCAA Division II, Division III, or NAIA institution.

Chip Vaughn will be coaching the safeties on defense, and helping out with special teams.

“We are very excited to have Chip as part of our coaching staff for this season”, said Kienus Boulware, WSSU’s head football coach.

“I am very appreciative of the NFLPA to select Winston-Salem State University football to be a part of their coaching internship program,” added Boulware. “Not only does his playing career speak for itself, but Chip is a tremendous person. He will be a great asset to our coaching staff and our players.”

Chip Vaughn is a native of Fairfax, Virginia, where he starred at Robinson Secondary School, before taking his talents to the ACC and Wake Forest.

Vaughn had a stellar career at Wake Forest, where he finished with 257 tackles, three interceptions, 22 passes defended, one forced fumble and four fumble recoveries.

In 2007, he was named All-ACC honorable mention, and topped off his senior season in 2008 with a First-team All-ACC selection, where he played in 13 games with 12 starts, registering 87 tackles, two interceptions, six passes defended and two fumble recoveries.

Vaughn helped the Demon Deacons rank 12th in the nation in pass defense, allowing 172.5 yards per game.

He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL (116th overall) by the New Orleans Saints.

After an injury during a training camp practice, he spent the entire season on injured reserve, but did receive a Super Bowl XLIV ring for being on the winning team.

Vaughn would go on to play two more seasons in the NFL, with stints at the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers.

“After retiring from professional football, I knew right away I wanted to still be a part of the game. Coaching/teaching has always been a passion of mine,” Vaughn said. “I chose WSSU because of their amazing coaching staff. I spoke with several coaches who I’m close with, and they all said the same thing about Coach Boulware and his staff. The knowledge and excitement they bring to the game is second to none. The Rams have had great success over the last five years and I want to be able to contribute to keep the streak going.”