Southern University Standout Carves Path from HBCU to NFL Coaching with Steelers

The journey from an HBCU football program to the NFL sidelines is rarely linear, but for Ramon Chinyoung Sr., it has been a deliberate, steady, and well-earned ascent. Chinyoung, a former standout offensive lineman at Southern University, has been named the running backs coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking another milestone in his coaching career.

Chinyoung's story is a testament to the caliber of football minds that emerge from HBCU programs. His path highlights a growing truth across the sports landscape: HBCU football doesn't just produce elite players, but also elite football coaches who are making their mark at the highest levels of the game.

From Southern University to the NFL Sidelines

Before he donned an NFL headset, Chinyoung was a four-year letterman at Southern University, where he anchored the offensive line from 2007 to 2010. He earned two First-team All-SWAC honors and was recognized as a First-team All-Louisiana player in 2009. Chinyoung's leadership and talent were evident during his collegiate career, as he earned invitations to the HBCU Bowl and the Winn-Dixie Gridiron Classic, where he served as a team captain.

After a brief stint pursuing professional playing opportunities, including a stint with the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League, Chinyoung turned his focus to coaching.

"Chinyoung's success in Texas high school football established him as both a technician and a culture builder, and college and NFL staffs took notice."

Chinyoung's journey to the NFL began in 2022 when he joined the Denver Broncos as an offensive quality control coach. He then moved to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, where he quickly climbed the ladder, being promoted to assistant offensive line coach in 2025. Under his guidance, the Cowboys' run game transformed, with the team ranking in the NFL's top 10 in yards per carry and finishing second in total offense.

Now, Chinyoung brings his expertise to the Pittsburgh Steelers as their new running backs coach, a testament to the league-wide confidence in his football IQ and ability to develop players beyond his offensive line background.

A Broader HBCU Football Statement

Chinyoung's rise to the NFL coaching ranks reinforces a message that HBCU football programs have been delivering for decades: elite coaching talent can come from anywhere, including the SWAC and Southern University. His journey to the Steelers' sideline is another milestone for HBCU football, showcasing the depth of coaching talent that these programs cultivate and the impact they can have at the highest levels of the game.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.