The Las Vegas Raiders are making moves as they transition into a new era under head coach Klint Kubiak. The latest development involves the running backs coach position, previously held by Deland McCullough. McCullough has now taken up a similar role at the University of Oklahoma, leaving a gap that the Raiders were quick to fill.
Enter Omar Young, a seasoned coach with a rich background in both college and professional football. Young, hailing from Oakland, California, brings a wealth of experience that could be pivotal for the Raiders. Despite the team's struggles with their rushing attack last season, Young's track record suggests he might be the right person to turn things around.
Young's journey through the coaching ranks is impressive. He started as a defensive back at Division III Willamette, transitioning into coaching at the JUCO level as a wide receivers coach. From there, he moved on to Division II Minnesota-Moorhead, where he served as the special teams coordinator and secondary coach.
By 2013, Young was sharpening his skills as a graduate assistant focusing on special teams at Division I San Jose State. His career then took him to the University of Colorado as a defensive quality control and special teams coach. In 2016, he became an offensive analyst and running backs coach at South Carolina, working with notable players like Rico Dowdle and Deebo Samuel.
Young's NFL experience is equally robust. He was an offensive assistant for the Cleveland Browns, focusing on running backs, and later took on roles with the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, working with both wide receivers and running backs. Most recently, he served as the tight ends coach for the New England Patriots before leading a successful rushing attack at Iowa.
Young's comprehensive understanding of the game, particularly his expertise with running backs and special teams, is exactly what the Raiders need. His Oakland roots add a layer of connection to the team and community, potentially making him a perfect fit.
With Young in the fold, players like Jeanty stand to gain significantly from his guidance. The return game, which prominently featured running backs last season, should also see improvements. The Raiders are hopeful that Young's influence will lead to a more dynamic and effective rushing attack in the upcoming season.