The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning the page on a new chapter, and one of the fresh faces helping to shape that future is Ramon Chinyoung Sr., who’s been hired as the team’s new running backs coach under recently appointed head coach Mike McCarthy. It’s a notable move not just for the Steelers, but for the broader football community, as Chinyoung becomes one of several former HBCU players and coaches stepping into prominent NFL roles this offseason.
Chinyoung’s football roots run deep. He was a standout offensive lineman at Southern University from 2007 to 2010, where he earned All-SWAC honors twice and became a four-year letterman.
He capped off his college career with invites to the Winn-Dixie Gridiron Classic and the HBCU Bowl-no small feat for a lineman grinding it out in the trenches. Though he didn’t hear his name called on draft day, Chinyoung kept the dream alive, playing professionally in the Arena Football League with the Arizona Rattlers.
But it’s on the sidelines where Chinyoung has really made his mark. He started shaping young talent at the high school level in Texas, first at Fort Bend Willowridge and then at Westfield High School in Houston.
What he did at Westfield was nothing short of dominant-posting a 96-15 overall record and an eye-popping 58-1 mark in district play. That kind of sustained success doesn’t happen without a coach who knows how to build culture, teach fundamentals, and get buy-in from his players.
That high school success eventually opened the door to the NFL. In 2022, Chinyoung got his first shot with the Denver Broncos as an offensive quality control coach.
A year later, he joined the Dallas Cowboys and quickly climbed the ranks, moving from quality control to assistant offensive line coach. His time in Dallas coincided with noticeable improvement in both the offensive line and the running back corps-an encouraging sign for what he might bring to Pittsburgh.
Now, he heads to a Steelers franchise in transition. After nearly 20 years under Mike Tomlin, the team is entering a new era with McCarthy at the helm.
It’s a significant shift, and McCarthy is bringing in coaches he trusts to help carry the torch. Chinyoung’s blend of player development, technical knowledge, and locker room presence makes him a compelling addition to that staff.
For the Steelers, this is more than just a hire-it’s a signal. They’re not just looking for big names; they’re looking for builders.
Coaches who can connect with players, elevate units, and bring a fresh perspective to a storied franchise. Ramon Chinyoung Sr. fits that mold.
His journey from the SWAC to the NFL sidelines is a testament to perseverance, football IQ, and the kind of leadership that resonates in locker rooms.
Pittsburgh fans should keep an eye on the run game this season. With Chinyoung now in charge of the backs, don’t be surprised if that unit starts to show a little more edge, a little more discipline, and a lot more productivity.