NOTRE DAME — Bryant Young is back in South Bend, but not in the role you might first expect.

Yes, that Bryant Young, who won a Super Bowl in San Francisco and became one of that famed-franchise's most beloved players. And yes, that Bryant Young, who was a 1st-team All-American in 1993 as a defensive tackle for the Irish. But as a graduate assistant, it's been more "nose to the grind" than "red carpet treatment."

"I break film down, I workout, do some scheduling, typing. It's a fresh start, you have to earn your keep out here," Young told WSBT Sports.

And that's what Young is doing with ND's young but full of potential defensive line.

After 14 years as a 49er, which also included four Pro Bowls, it goes without saying that Young doesn't need to be coaching right now. The game's simply still in his blood.

"The fun part is me working with the young guys. I can use my experiences from the past, without having to refer to the past. Football is still the same," added Young.

But maybe not entirely.

"They do seem a lot younger. Was I that young?" questioned Young.

Yes he was. And now it's Young's charge to turn around a unit that has been more of a question mark than an exclamation point lately.

If push came to shove, would Young wish he was still out there in the trenches?

"Absolutely not! I still get emotional and excited when they make the plays. But this more than scratches that itch," said Young.

For now, climbing up the coaching-ladder one rung at a time will do — for Young, and for his beloved school.

"The present time always sets up your future. We'll see if I like it, and where it goes," summed up Young.