Robert Kugler is in his first season as Steelers' tight ends coach in 2026.

Kugler will enter his sixth season in the NFL and 10th year coaching overall – with previous stops in New England (2024-25), Carolina (2022-23), Houston (2021), Appalachian State (2020), University of Washington (2018-19) and UTEP (2017).

Robert Kugler is in his first season as Steelers' tight ends coach in 2026.

Kugler will enter his sixth season in the NFL and 10th year coaching overall – with previous stops in New England (2024-25), Carolina (2022-23), Houston (2021), Appalachian State (2020), University of Washington (2018-19) and UTEP (2017).

Kugler, who coached in Super Bowl LX, aided in the development of rookie offensive linemen – offensive tackle Will Campbell and guard Jared Wilson in 2025. The Patriots were the first team in the NFL to open a season with rookies at left tackle and left guard since Baltimore in 2016 (OT Ronnie Stanley and G Alex Lewis). Rookie running back Treveyon Henderson averaged 5.1 yards/rush, which was a franchise record for a first-year ballcarrier.

Kugler served as an assistant offensive line coach with the Patriots, Panthers and Texans.

Kugler got his start in coaching as a graduate assistant and tight ends coach in 2017 at UTEP. He spent the 2018-19 seasons as a graduate assistant at the University of Washington before becoming the offensive quality control coach at Appalachian State in 2020. In his sole season on staff, Kugler helped lead the Mountaineers to an average of 265.6 rushing yards/game, ranking sixth in FBS.

Kugler played collegiately at Purdue (2012-15), where he was a two-time team captain and started 43 consecutive games at center. He went to training camp in 2016 with Buffalo after being signed as a rookie free agent.

Kugler graduated from Purdue with a bachelor's degree in history and political science in 2015. He and his wife, Emily, have two sons, Anthony and Noah.