Young had previously been assistant coach to the Otago side and was also involved with the Highlanders until 2006.
He had a few years away, helping coach club side Taieri and working as a resource coach with the union, but he is now back at the coal face.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed it. We have an outstanding bunch of young men who just want to get out and play for each other and the province. Once they get the jersey on, it brings out the best of them," he said.
Young said the coaching team did not put any added pressure on the team and just wanted to help the players through the season.
"We've brought back some of the traditions to the team. Wanting guys to sweat a bit of blood and few tears for the jersey."
The side will take on Counties-Manukau in the ITM Cup championship final on Friday night.
One of Young's last duties when he was previously involved in the Otago setup was to prepare the side for the NPC final in Auckland in 2005.
That was the last time Otago was in a final, and Young does not want a repeat of that result, as Auckland won easily, 39-11.
"To be honest, I can't remember much of it. It was a long time ago. But we'd probably played our final the week before against Canterbury.
"This week, we have to prepare like any game but be ready for what a final brings. We have to make the most of any chance that comes along and there won't be many.
"Defence is going to have to be massive, as we can't afford for them to get any go-forward."
Young said the side had been learning all year.
"A lot of these boys had just played club rugby and in our first real encounter had to play Tasman. That did us a huge favour, showed us how we had to get up to that level."
Leaders had come through in the team, he said.
Otago will fly to Auckland tomorrow and will have to stay in the City of Sails, as no accommodation can be found in Pukekohe.
Pukekohe Park Raceway is hosting a V8 race over the weekend and accommodation in the town is sold out.
The team will travel to Pukekohe early on Friday afternoon to prepare for the game, which kicks off at 7.35pm.
