William James Young (September 9, 1881 – December 8, 1957) was an American college sports coach, athletics administrator, professor, physician, and health officer.

[1] He played football in 1899 and 1900 at Mechanic Arts High School—now known as John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics & Science–in Boston and ran track in 1900 and 1901 before graduating in 1901.

Young played for the Springfield Training School football team for three seasons, from 1904 to 1906 at the fullback, halfback, quarterback, and end positions.

[4] In July 1916, Young was elected professor of physical education and director of athletics at the University of Maine, succeeding Edgar Wingard.

[1] In 1919, he was appointed as a professor at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas—now known as Texas A&M University–to teach a physical education course required for all first-year students.