Coach Brian Young has been a prominent figure in the Whatcom County football community for years, significantly impacting generations of players across high school and semi-professional teams. Currently, he serves as the head coach at Sehome High School.
After a Canadian Football League (CFL) tryout, Young passed through Bellingham on his way to Seattle. The area’s slower pace appealed to him after his East Coast upbringing, especially as he felt the strain of pursuing his professional football career.
“Honestly, I was pretty burnt out,” says Young. “Bellingham turned out to be a great place to recharge and figure out what to do next.”
Discovering New Football Opportunities in Whatcom County
Young discovered the Bellingham Eagles, a Minor League Football (MLF) team, during his football sabbatical.
He got back into football shape and started playing again.
“That took me on a nine-year journey with the Bellingham Eagles, Snohomish County Vikings, and Eastside Hawks,” he says. “Along the way, I played for local and national championships and met some great coaches, including Sam Adams.”
He credits these relationships with encouraging him to consider a career in coaching.
Embracing Coaching
Though Young eventually retired from playing, he longed to remain involved in football.
“Just because your body says it’s time to stop playing doesn’t mean your mind isn’t telling you you have one more play in you,” says Young. “The toughest part of retiring from the game is missing the competition and camaraderie you share with your teammates; it’s what makes football second to none.”
After retiring, Young was eager to stay in football. A friend let him know about an MLF team seeking a coach, and he accepted the opportunity.
Before becoming the head coach at Sehome High School, he held coaching positions with the Skagit Valley Lightning, Whatcom County Raiders, Bellingham Bulldogs, and Squalicum Storm.
Developing as a Football Coach
Young views these experiences as essential for his growth as a coach and leader.
“Coaching is an ever-evolving experience; each team, each player, and each season is different. Handling the adversities those new challenges bring and always being willing to learn is priceless,” he says. “I’ve learned to build my teams, especially high school teams, on core values. ‘The standard is the standard.’”
Young believes winning is about much more than just the scoreboard; it’s about developing young men who will be great fathers, husbands, and CEOs. “Contributing to making the world a better place is the ultimate measure of success.”
Young’s Coaching Philosophy
In his coaching style, Young emphasizes players’ strengths over their limitations.
“I’m a straightforward guy, so feelings aren’t facts,” he says. “I believe in being real and authentic with our players. Guys will hear me ask, ‘Are you helping us or hurting us by what you’re doing on and off the field?’”
He also approaches his role with compassion and empathy.
“On the other side of that, I have nothing but love for our players,” says Young. “We are a football family, and we look out for and take care of each other; from the freshman who’s never played before to the all-league senior.”
New Beginnings at Sehome
Now in his second year of coaching at Sehome, Young is embracing a new set of experiences.
“Initially, it was a very unusual feeling after spending nine seasons across town at Squalicum,” he says. “Now it’s very comfortable. I love my players. Let’s go, green and gold.”
Young took over the Mariner football team at a critical turning point.
“The [Sehome football] culture desperately needed a reset and a refocus,” he says. “I also had to figure out the needs of each player to coach them best for success. We made some critical adjustments with our coaching staff, practice format, and scheme that significantly improved our team.”
According to Young, it took several years to get the Sehome opportunity.
“Patrick Brown, Squalicum’s athletic director, gave me a chance,” says Young. “Working with Nick Lucey, Squalicum’s head coach, was invaluable.”
Young’s current athletic director, Colin Cushman, encouraged him to apply for Sehome’s head coach role.
“I needed to impress the interview panel with my coaching plan,” Young says. “Colin and Principal Sonia Cole have been very supportive. I appreciate their help as I aim to turn Sehome football around.”
Cushman has been impressed with the job young has done.
“Coaches and players are well prepared for games,” he says. “Practices are organized, efficient and fun, with lots of energy. Coaches are positive, take the time to get to know kids, and care about them as people first.”
Looking Ahead
Coach Young aims to build a playoff team in Washington’s toughest 2A league, viewing it as a major achievement. He believes there are no limits to the team’s potential and is dedicated to preparing them for any opponent.
