Kansas Def. Coordinator Young Headed To Miami

Bill Young confirmed this afternoon that he has accepted the Miami defensive coordinator's position. CSTV was the first to report Wednesday night the Kansas defensive coordinator's departure.

Young agreed to a two-year deal and chose the Hurricanes over both the University of Washington and Kansas, spurning the interest both schools showed in him.

Young initially denied the report, but told The Journal-World in Lawrence Thursday, 'It's a new challenge. Sometimes as a coach, you need that."

Young, who helped lead the Jayhawks to an Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech Jan. 3, has spent 20 years as a defensive coordinator at various schools and organizations. Young just finished his sixth season as Kansas' defensive coordinator.

The Jayhawks finished as the 12th ranked defense in the nation and the No. 4 scoring defense, allowing just 16 points per game. He was a Broyles Award finalist this season.

Young will work with Randy Shannon on improving the Miami defense which finished a disappointing 33rd in total defense as the Canes limped home to 5-7 record under the first year head coach. Tim Walton was fired by Shannon last month after just one season as the Hurricanes defensive coordinator.