Kurt von Bargen joined the USF staff as a graduate assistant in 2012.

A 2009 graduate of East Carolina with a degree in health education and promotion, von Bargen was a member of the Pirate football team that won a Conference USA title in 2008 and played in three bowl games during his five seasons on the roster. In 2007, he was named East Carolina's scout team special teams player of the year, then followed that up with the scout team defensive player of the year in 2008. In both of those seasons, he was nominated by the school for the Rudy Award, given by the NCAA to Division I players who demonstrate exemplary character, courage, contribution and commitment as members of their team.

After earning his degree, von Bargen joined the coaching staff at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy as the outside linebackers coach while coordinating the video needs. After one season with the Bears, he was hired at Trinity College to coach the outside linebackers and act as the video coordinator.