Young became the special teams coach of the Houston Oilers of the National Football League (NFL) in 1978. He served as linebackers and special teams coach for the team from 1979 to 1980.[1]
He was the linebackers coach for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL from 1981 to 1985.[1] Young also served as the interim defensive coordinator for the final four games of the 1985 season.[8]
He joined the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs as defensive line coach in 1986. He was then the team's defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 1987.[1] He was fired by the Chiefs after the season.[9]
Young then returned to the college ranks and served as the linebackers coach for the Texas Tech Red Raiders from 1989 to 1991.[7]
He was the head coach of the Dallas Texans of the Arena Football League (AFL) in 1992, compiling a regular season record of 5–5 and a postseason record of 1–1.[10]
He was the linebackers coach for the Denver Broncos of the NFL from 1993 to 1994.[1]
Young returned to the AFL in 1996, serving as the head coach of the Texas Terror. The Terror finished the regular season with a 1–13 record.[10]