In the challenging grounds of college football, the University of Houston brings aboard a new Defensive Backs Coach to its ranks, the seasoned strategist, Joshua Christian-Young. Born in Missouri and raised in Tulane, Josh brings an impressive coaching legacy with an added wealth of experience and a track record of success.
Throughout the past eight seasons, his coaching skills have contributed to an impressive profile, featuring six bowl victories, two appearances in the American Athletic Conference championship games, and a league title. Notably, in his most recent coaching venture with Tulane in 2023, Christian-Young’s defensive backs intercepted a remarkable 17 passes, ranking third nationally and securing the top spot within The American conference. This remarkable feat accompanied the team’s 19th national ranking in scoring defense and a 32nd position in total defense, placing them at the peak of collegiate defensive units.
During his four-season tenure at Tulane, Josh left a mark on the Green Wave’s football program. Under his coaching, the Green Wave’s defensive unit showed its skills, landing 19th nationally in scoring defense (18.9) and 32nd in total defense (332.7). Its individual players also made it big, with three players earning All-American Athletic Conference honors, including First-Team cornerback Jarius Monroe. According to PFF, Tulane’s collective coverage grade of 84.5 proved Josh as the best coach for the team. As the University of Houston awaits the 2024 season, Josh promises to improve the defense of the Cougars like never before.
Before taking on his role as a coach at Tulane, Josh honed his coaching expertise during a tenure at Army West Point. Over five seasons from 2015 to 2019, he made several contributions to the Black Knights’ success. Josh’s final season earned Black Knights a fifth rank in the nation in passing yards allowed and 30th in total defense. His coaching extended to player development, evident in his support of the Army’s recruiting efforts throughout the Southern United States. During the 2018 campaign, Army boasted the eighth-best total defense nationally, holding opponents to a mere 295.5 yards per game.
His coaching impact was further highlighted by coaching players such as Elijah Riley, Mike Reynolds, and Ryan Velez to All-Independent Team honors in 2018 and 2019. Riley, in particular, went on to secure a contract as a free agent signee in 2020, making his mark in the NFL, playing 29 games by the end of the 2023 season. This coaching at the Army portrayed Josh’s ability to encourage talent and contribute to the overall success of a program. His earlier coaching spell at Georgia Southern from 2013 to 2014, where the Eagles secured a 2014 Sun Belt Championship, ranked his reputation as a coach with a knack for achieving excellence.
Josh’s career in football extends beyond coaching, reaching back to his playing days as a strong safety at Central Missouri under Head Coach Willie Fritz. His experiences as a player shaped his understanding of the game as well as helped him choose coaching as a career path. A two-time graduate of Central Missouri, Josh earned a Bachelor of Science in History in 2011 and a Master of Arts in Sociology in 2013. His passion for education didn’t stop there; he furthered his qualification with a Master of Education in higher education administration from Georgia Southern.
To conclude, Joshua is a multitalented individual with a wealth of coaching expertise, playing experience, and academic acumen in every chapter of his career. From his impactful coaching roles at Tulane to his earlier coaching at Army West Point and Georgia Southern, Josh has consistently portrayed an ability to shape winning teams and promote the development of talented athletes. His academic journey reflects upon his commitment to the growth of student-athletes under his guidance. Beyond the football field, Josh sets an example as a source of strength and support for his family and acquaintances.
