Steve Young to coach his daughter's flag football team after ESPN layoffs

A massive round of ESPN layoffs in recent weeks as the network cuts costs in a challenging macro-economic environment have left several high-profile names out of work. But at least one recently laid-off employee is using his new free time to his advantage.

Former NFL quarterback Steve Young is taking the time to serve as an assistant coach for the Menlo School’s girls flag football team.

Young has two daughters — a freshman and a senior — who will presumably play for the team, according to a report from the New York Post.

“Flag football will be a wonderful opportunity for young women to show their talent,” Young said in a statement. “Football is a great team game that teaches tremendous life lessons.

“I want to help build women’s flag football.”

Along with Young following the ESPN layoffs, another former 49ers quarterback will be coaching the team as head coach: John Payne. But Young is the far more famous of the two.

Prior to the ESPN layoffs, Young had been a fixture on the network’s programming for more than two decades following his playing days. He spent a lot of time on the “NFL Countdown” program, as well as other NFL coverage.

That came on the heels of a Hall of Fame career.

Young won three Super Bowls with the 49ers and was the Super Bowl XXIX MVP for his performance. He was named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 1992 and was named the league’s MVP in both 1992 and 1994.

The former 49ers gunslinger was a three-time first-team All-Pro from 1992-94, before landing as a second-team All-Pro in 1995, 1997 and 1998.

He finished as the NFL’s passing touchdowns leader four times, the NFL completion percentage leader five times and the NFL’s passer rating leader six times.

Young finished his NFL career with 169 appearances and 143 starts, throwing for 33,124 yards with 232 touchdowns and 107 interceptions. He also ran for 4,239 yards and 43 touchdowns on the ground.

Now Young, thanks to the ESPN layoffs, will be using all of his football knowledge to help grow the women’s game, while also spending a considerable amount of time with his daughters now that he’s got a little more time on his hands.