The Steelers have named James Saxon their new running backs coach, it was announced today.
Saxon is entering his 23rd season in the NFL as either a player or coach. He joins Pittsburgh after spending the previous three seasons as the running backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings.
Prior to Minnesota, Saxon coached running backs for the Miami Dolphins (2008-10), Kansas City Chiefs (2001-07) and Buffalo Bills (2000). He got his start in coaching at the collegiate level at Menlo College (1999) and Rutgers University (1997-98).
Saxon was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round (139th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft. In his eight NFL seasons, Saxon played for the Chiefs (1988-91), the Dolphins (1992-94) and the Philadelphia Eagles (1995). He appeared in 111 career games, rushing for 533 yards and five touchdowns. He added 69 career receptions for 515 yards.
He attended American River Junior College (1984-85) in California before attending San Jose State University (1986-87). At San Jose State, Saxon recorded 609 rushing yards with nine rushing touchdowns as well as 78 receptions for 732 yards and four receiving touchdowns. He also threw four touchdown passes in two seasons at San Jose State.
