Young was hired as Kansas’ defensive coordinator in 2002 and left after the Orange Bowl victory in 2008. Through the years he also worked as defensive coordinator at Tulsa, Arizona State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Southern Cal, Miami and Oklahoma State. He retired in 2018 after serving as Tulsa’s defensive coordinator during the final four seasons of his 50-year coaching career.

In total, Young coached in 22 bowl games, including the Rose, Orange, Cotton and Fiesta bowls.

KU head coach Mark Mangino, who brought Young to Lawrence almost 20 years ago, tweeted Thursday that “Bill was a wonderful guy” and a “fabulous” defensive coordinator.

“I will always appreciate his great work for us at Kansas,” Mangino wrote. “Bill was a team player and was loved by our players and staff.”

Many other coaches and football figures reacted to Young’s death, including Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy, who said in a release that “Bill Young was a first-class person, a first-class coach and he made the world a better place.” Young was a three-year starter at Oklahoma State during his playing days and was the defensive coordinator from 2009 to 2012, a stretch that included OSU’s Big 12 championship in 2011.

During Lawrence High football coach Clint Bowen’s time as a KU football assistant, he spent five years working with Young, including two seasons as the co-defensive coordinator. Bowen tweeted about his connection with Young, calling the former KU assistant “a true legend.”

“You meet very few people that truly have such an impact on your life that they influence the way you live,” Bowen wrote. “Bill Young was one of those for me.”

The news of #CoachBillYoung passing saddens me greatly. Bill was a wonderful guy & fabulous DC at several D1 #CFB programs. I will always appreciate his great work for us at #Kansas. Bill was a team player & was loved by our players & staff. Rest In Peace Coach. We will miss u.

— Mark Mangino (@KeepSawinWood) March 18, 2021

You meet very few people that truly have such an impact on your life that they influence the way you live. Bill Young was one of those for me. RIP to a true legend. #realballcoach pic.twitter.com/3ug1LSCZWy

— Clint Bowen (@CoachClintBowen) March 18, 2021

Bill Young’s coaching career

• Oklahoma State, 1968-70 (Student/GA Coach)

• Carl Albert HS, 1972 (Asst. Coach)

• Putnam City West HS, 1973-77 (Asst. Coach)                                

• Oklahoma State, 1976-78 (OL/DL)

• Iowa State, 1979 (DT)

• Tulsa, 1980-84 (DL, 1980-84; Defensive Coord., 1983-84)

• Arizona State, 1985-87 (Defensive Coord.)

• Ohio State, 1988-95 (Defensive Coord.)

• Oklahoma, 1996-97 (Defensive Coord.)

• Southern Cal, 1998-2000 (Defensive Coord.)

• Detroit Lions, 2001 (DL)

• Kansas, 2002-07 (Defensive Coord.)

• Miami (Fla.), 2008 (Defensive Coord.)

• Oklahoma State, 2009-12 (Defensive Coord.)

• Wyoming, 2013 (Defensive Quality Control)

• Yukon HS, 2014 (Head Coach)

• Tulsa, 2015-18 (Defensive Coord.)