Former BYU Cougars football standout and Super Bowl champion (XXIX) Steve Young has accepted a newly created position within Brigham Young University’s football program. Young, who most recently served as a respected color commentator on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown,” will now serve as the Senior Advisor of Quarterback Development and Alumni Relations. The announcement, made during a press conference at LaVell Edwards Stadium, marks a powerful homecoming for one of BYU’s most legendary athletes and a significant step forward for the program.
Steve Young, a direct descendant of the university’s namesake and a symbol of its football legacy, played for BYU from 1981 to 1983, setting NCAA records and winning the Davey O’Brien Award in his senior year. His return to Provo is widely viewed as a cultural and strategic win for the Cougars, who seek to bolster their competitive edge in the Big 12. According to BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe, Young’s deep football IQ, NFL pedigree, and spiritual connection to the school make him an ideal fit for this unique hybrid position.
In his new role, Young will work closely with quarterbacks and coaching staff to enhance player development, focusing on both mechanics and leadership. Though not a full-time coach, his mentorship is expected to bridge the gap between college potential and professional readiness. His influence will be particularly valuable for young quarterbacks aiming to follow in his footsteps. Head Coach Kalani Sitake emphasized that Young’s presence will be felt not just on the field, but in the locker room and beyond. “He’s a mentor, a motivator, and a legend who embodies what BYU football is all about,” Sitake said.
Another key part of Young’s job will involve strengthening ties between former players and the current program. Alumni relations have been a growing priority for many college programs seeking to create pipelines for mentorship, networking, and support. Young, with his vast connections and respected status within the NFL and BYU communities, will be pivotal in energizing the Cougar alumni base. He is expected to spearhead initiatives like annual alumni summits, career counseling programs, and charity collaborations involving former players.
The news has been met with excitement from fans, many of whom still remember Young’s electric performances at BYU and later with the San Francisco 49ers, where he won MVP honors and led his team to a resounding victory in Super Bowl XXIX. Social media buzzed with praise and optimism, with Cougar faithful expressing hope that his involvement signals a new era of seriousness and legacy-focused leadership for the program. “This is more than symbolic—it’s transformational,” one alumnus tweeted.
Off the field, Young’s return also highlights BYU’s commitment to values-based athletics. As a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Young has always embraced the school’s spiritual mission. His leadership style, steeped in humility and grit, is expected to resonate strongly with both players and recruits. His presence sends a clear message: BYU is leaning into its history not as nostalgia, but as a blueprint for the future.
With Steve Young back on campus, there is a renewed sense of ambition and pride in Provo. While he won’t be throwing passes or calling plays, his legacy, experience, and leadership will now be interwoven with BYU’s next generation of stars. As the Cougars look to make their mark in the increasingly competitive landscape of college football, Young’s return might just be the spark that propels them toward national prominence once again.
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