Raiders Hire Omar Young as Running Backs Coach

The Las Vegas Raiders made a key addition to their coaching staff Thursday, hiring former Iowa running backs coach Omar Young. Young joins the franchise as part of head coach Klint Kubiak’s first-year staff, tasked with developing Ashton Jeanty and the rest of the Raiders’ backfield. His experience at both the collegiate and professional levels positions him to immediately impact the team’s rushing game.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed the hiring on X, formerly Twitter, noting Young’s new role as the Raiders’ running backs coach. Young will oversee Jeanty’s development while helping implement a ground-focused offensive strategy. This aligns with Kubiak’s approach, influenced by his time with the Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks.

Though Young enters the NFL coaching ranks with extensive professional experience, his roots trace back to the Bay Area, giving him a longstanding connection to the Silver and Black. Born and raised around Oakland, Young began his early coaching career locally, including a stint guiding wide receivers at DeAnza College in 2009.

The Raiders’ recent relocation to Las Vegas in January 2020 marked a new chapter for the franchise, but Young’s personal history with the team and the region adds a unique continuity. His knowledge of the organization’s culture and the local football environment should help smooth his transition into the NFL coaching ranks.

1. Coaching Background

Omar Young brings a diverse and extensive coaching resume to Las Vegas. He first entered the NFL in 2015 with the Cleveland Browns as an offensive assistant, marking his initial foray into professional football. Following that, he worked as a quality control coach for the Green Bay Packers from 2017 to 2018, helping shape offensive schemes and player development. Young has also spent time with multiple NFL franchises, including the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots under then-head coach Jerod Mayo. These stops gave him exposure to various offensive philosophies, personnel management styles, and game-planning techniques at the highest level. Despite this breadth of experience, Young has not previously worked with Kubiak. However, he shares history with incoming offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko, as both served on the Bears’ staff in the past. This familiarity may help integrate the offensive vision and philosophies that Kubiak wants to implement in Las Vegas. Additionally, Young’s early coaching roots in California, including his education at Berkeley High School and initial college coaching roles, give him a personal understanding of the team’s historical culture. His combination of local knowledge and professional experience equips him to connect with players and staff alike.

2. Role with the Raiders

Young’s primary responsibility will be overseeing the Raiders’ running backs room, with a particular focus on rookie Ashton Jeanty. Developing Jeanty and supporting the broader backfield is a priority, especially with Kubiak favoring a run-heavy scheme modeled after his time with Seattle. The hiring signals the Raiders’ intent to emphasize the ground game as a cornerstone of their offensive strategy. Young’s experience in both the college and professional ranks provides him with tools to teach technique, reading defenses, and contributing to the passing game as a versatile back. While Jeanty represents a key developmental focus, Young will also mentor the other running backs on the roster. His previous work with diverse talent in the NFL and at Iowa gives him a track record of adapting coaching methods to fit individual skill sets. Overall, the addition of Young reflects Kubiak’s commitment to constructing a coaching staff that blends NFL experience with regional familiarity, allowing the Raiders to pursue both continuity and innovation in their offensive approach.

3. Building Kubiak’s Staff

The hiring of Young is part of Kubiak’s ongoing effort to assemble his inaugural coaching staff. The head coach has already attracted other notable assistants, including Seahawks alum Rick Dennison, signaling a preference for experienced NFL minds who can implement a successful run-focused offense. Young’s connection with Janocko and shared professional history underscores the collaborative approach Kubiak is taking in assembling his staff. While not all assistants have prior ties to the head coach, familiarity and complementary philosophies appear to guide hiring decisions. As the Raiders continue to finalize their coaching roster, Young’s arrival strengthens both the offensive backfield and the overall staff depth. His combined college and NFL experience brings a unique perspective that bridges player development and professional-level execution. With Young in place, the Raiders aim to cultivate a productive rushing attack while building cohesion among the offensive staff, laying the foundation for Kubiak’s vision in Las Vegas.