Kenny-Ray Augustus joined the McKendree University football coach staff in the summer of 2018. Augustus will handle duties as the Bearcats' run game coordinator and defensive line coach. He is a well know outstanding recruiter in the Chicago land area.
Augustus arrived in Lebanon after spending 12 seasons as the defensive line coach and special teams coordinator at the University of Indianapolis. While a member of the Greyhounds' staff, Augustus helped lead the program to five Great Lakes Valley Conference championships and four NCAA Division II playoff appearances, along with a historic undefeated season.
Augustus has developed some of the top GLVC defensive linemen during his 15+ years of coaching with high production in sacks & tackles for losses. He has mentored the most All-GLVC Football selections in conference history. He also has made an impact coaching special teams. Mentoring Special Teams Players of the Year Matt Cole who was a undrafted free agent for the 2020 Miami Dolphins.
Along with his coaching duties at Indianapolis, Augustus was a two-time participant in the NFL's Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship. Named after the late Hall of Fame coach who conceived the idea, the program exposes talented minority coaches to the methods and philosophies of summer NFL training camps.
His first experience in the NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship Program came in 2010, when Augustus interned with the San Diego Chargers during OTA's and training camp under Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera. In addition to assisting in training camp, Augustus assisted with player interviews during the 2012 NFL Combine. Augustus reconnected with Head coach Ron Rivera at the Carolina Panthers during training camp in 2012.
Augustus has continued down the coaching and development path with his most recent fellowship during the 2020 season with the Cincinnati Bengals under Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo. "All three of my internships were not just great experiences," says Augustus. "They made me a better coach in many ways. I became a better teacher, which increases player production. I also learned more about the game and how it is evolving and the administration's role within each organization."
In February 2011, Augustus earned one of just 30 NCAA invitations to attend the first-ever NCAA-NFL Football Academy. The four-day event was held in Orlando, Fla., and was developed to provide individuals with the necessary tools and networking opportunities to enhance their chances at success in the football coaching profession.
The Bolingbrook, Ill., native played for two seasons at Joliet Junior College before moving on to play at the University of Cincinnati. Augustus earned his bachelor's degree and lettered at Cincinnati in 1999.
Augustus and his wife, Amber, have one daughter – Gabraelle.
