Served as track and field coach at Manhattan College from 1962-1969. McHugh was the successor to legendary Jaspers head coach George Eastment. During McHugh's tenure, Manhattan won nine Metropolitan Intercollegiate titles, recording two in cross country, four in indoor track & field and three in outdoor track & field. McHugh mentored 11 future Manhattan Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. By the end of his coaching career, 17 of 26 Manhattan College track & field team records were shattered.