Iowa Hawkeyes Football has found their replacement for running backs coach Ladell Betts. Betts is a former Hawkeyes legend who played for the program between 1998-2001 and was the running backs coach for Iowa from 2021-2024.
Betts moved to the New York Giants in February for a similar job.
On Monday, it was announced that long-time coach Omar Young joined Kirk Ferentz's staff as the new running backs coach.
We're excited to announce Omar Young as our new running backs coach!#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/rvcpCVVfYx
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) March 17, 2025
Young's hiring has been highly anticipated since it was rumored he was accepting the job last week.
Young has experience at the college and NFL levels in different roles. He was most recently an offensive coaching assistant for the New England Patriots during the 2024 season.
Young also spent two years in the Chicago Bears' organization from 2022-2023. In 2022, he was the offensive quality control coach, and in 2023, he was the assistant quarterbacks and receivers coach.
He had college coaching experience at Colorado University (2013-2014) and South Carolina (2016) before taking a larger role with Eastern Illinois from 2019-2021. He was the running backs and co-special teams coordinator in his time with Eastern Illinois.
Young will take over a running backs group that will look very different without star running back Kaleb Johnson anchoring the backfield. The Hawkeyes have an inexperienced running backs room, with only Jaziun Patterson and Kamari Moulton receiving significant snaps.
Young will have to adapt quickly to his new squad as spring practice begins for the Hawkeyes in a little over one week. The first time Iowa fans can see their new coach running backs coach is at the open practice on April 26.