Brian Daboll added another accomplished player to his staff today when he hired Ladell Betts as the Giants' new running backs coach.
Betts, a second-round draft choice from the University of Iowa in 2002, spent the past four seasons in the same role at his alma mater. He coached one of the best running backs in Hawkeyes history in consensus All-American Kaleb Johnson, who last year broke the single-season program records in scoring (138 points), overall touchdowns (23), and rushing touchdowns (21). Johnson, whose 1,537 rushing yards rank third in the school's record book, was named the Big Ten Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year.
Betts returned to Iowa in 2021 after he served as head coach at Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), which posted an undefeated record in 2020.
Betts played nine seasons in the NFL, including eight with Washington before finishing his career with New Orleans. Overall, he played in 111 games and amassed 3,326 yards and 15 touchdowns on 821 carries. He also recorded 1,646 yards and three touchdowns on 188 career catches. His best season was 2006, when he ran for 1,154 yards in addition to 445 receiving yards. Additionally, he racked up more than 2,000 yards as a kickoff returner and returned one 94 yards for a touchdown in 2005.
Prior to the NFL, Betts became the only running back in Iowa history to lead the team in rushing four consecutive years. He ranks second in career rushing yards (3,686), fourth in all-purpose yards (4,397), and 19th in scoring (162).
Betts, a native of Blue Springs, Mo., earned his bachelor's degree from Iowa in 2001 and completed the Business Management and Entrepreneurship Program through the Aresty Institute of Executive Education & The Wharton Sports Business Initiative.
Betts Coaching Career
New York Giants: RB Coach, 2025 - Present
Iowa: RB Coach, 2021-25
Pine Crest School: HC, 2019-20
Pine Crest School: OC, 2016-18
Boca Raton HS: OC, 2014-15
Coral Springs Christian Academy: RB Coach, 2013
View photos of NFL veteran and new Giants running backs coach Ladell Betts.
Iowa running backs coach Ladell Betts watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Nevada, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa running backs coach Ladell Betts stands on the field during an NCAA college football practice, Saturday, May 1, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa running backs coach Ladell Betts watches a drill during an NCAA college football practice, Saturday, May 1, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) flies downfield during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010 in Glendale. The Saints won the game, 30-20. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) during an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (34) rushes in the forth quarter of their NFL football preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Friday, Aug. 27, 2010. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) during an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas (29) during an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts #46 during an NFL football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints November 21, 2010 at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Seattle Seahawks 34 - 19 in regular season week eleven action. (Ap Photo/ Bill Nichols)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) during an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) runs for a fourth quarter touchdown that gives the Saints a 34-3 lead during the NFL week 9 NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, November 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Saints won the game 34-3. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) returns a pregame practice punt during the NFL week 9 NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, November 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Saints won the game 34-3. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New Orleans Saints' Ladell Betts (46) dives as he is tackled by Arizona Cardinals' Adrian Wilson (24) during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Saints 30-20. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New Orleans Saints' Ladell Betts (46) looks for running room as Arizona Cardinals' Kerry Rhodes, left, and Clark Haggans (53) close in as Saints' Lance Moore (16) looks on during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Saints 30-20. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals on October 10, 2010. The Cardinals defeated the Saints 30-20. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) gains yards as Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) runs for a fourth quarter touchdown that gives the Saints a 34-3 lead during the NFL week 9 NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, November 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Saints won the game 34-3. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals on October 10, 2010. The Cardinals defeated the Saints 30-20. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington, right, tackles New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) heads downfield during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010 in Glendale. The Saints won the game, 30-20. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) gains yards as Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Glendale, Ariz.(AP Photo/Paul Connors)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) heads downfield during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010 in Glendale. The Saints won the game, 30-20. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) heads downfield during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010 in Glendale. The Saints won the game, 30-20. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) in an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) in the xx quarter of their NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, La., Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) during an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints running back Ladell Betts (46) heads downfield during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010 in Glendale. The Saints won the game, 30-20. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts tumbles as he is pursued by Denver Broncos linebacker John Lynch, background left, and defensive tackle Demetrin Veal, background right, during the third quarter of the Broncos' 21-19 victory Sunday, Oct. 9, 2005, in Denver. (AP Photo/Bill Ross)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts carries the ball during the NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Defensive lineman Ryan Pickett #79 of the Green Bay Packers pursues running back Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins at Lambeau Field on October 14, 2007 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers beat the Redskins 17-14. (AP Photo/David Stluka)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts drags Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins during the NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts escapes the grasp of Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams during the NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts runs through a hole in the line during the NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown during the NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 in Landover, Md. Washington won 27-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter under pressure from Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins and defensive tackle Marcus Thomas during the NFL football game, Nov. 15, 2009 in Landover, Md. Washington won 27-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Washington Redskins' Ladell Betts (46) is tackled by Detroit Lions' Kevin Hobbs (23) in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins runs for yardage against the St. Louis Rams at FedEx Field on October 12, 2008 in Landover, Maryland. St. Louis won 19-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts carries the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, in Landover, Md. The Redskins won 9-7. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts (46) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles free safety Brian Dawkins (20) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts (46) carries the ball as Seattle Seahawks linebacker Julian Peterson (59) and safety Brian Russell (25) move in during an NFL football wildcard playoff game Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at Qwest Field in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
An Official keeps an eye on Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts during an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009.(AP Photo/Phil Coale)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts (46) carries the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 24-10. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins runs with the football against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game on Nov. 12, 2006 in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 27-3. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts (46) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Stephen Bowen (72) in the second quarter of their NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts (46) celebrates with wide receiver Antwaan Randle-El after Betts scored a touchdown on a 14-yard run during second quarter NFL football against the New York Giants Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts looks for a hole during NFL football action against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Lions linebacker Paris Lenon, right, chases down Redskins running back Ladell Betts (46) during second quarter action in the Detroit at Washington NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts (46) rushes against New York Giants cornerback R.W. McQuarters (25) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, in Landover, Md. The Giants won 34-28. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts is pulled down by Philadelphia Eagles tackle William Thomas, left; linebacker Shawn Barber (56) and safety Michael Lewis during the second quarter of a NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 27: Running back Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redsklns runs with the football against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 27, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Redskins 19-14. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins runs with the football against the St. Louis Rams on October 12, 2008 in Landover, Md. The Rams defeated the Redskins won 19-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts (46) scores a touchdown as Atlanta Falcons safety Lawyer Milloy (36) looks on at left during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts (46) rushes between Carolina Panthers defensive end Al Wallace (96) and safety Mike Minter (30) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006, in Landover, Md. Betts carried 24 times for 104 yards as Washington won 17-13.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Redskins running back Ladell Betts outruns the grasp of Eagles defensive end Trent Cole during first-quarter action in the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins NFL football game in ashington, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
Washington Redskins' Ladell Betts (46) breaks away from a tackle on a 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts (46) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 12, 2004 in Landover, Md. The Redskins defeated the Buccaneers 16-10. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL football game on Jan. 2, 2004 in Landover, Md. The Redskins defeated the Vikings 21-18. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins looks on before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game on Nov. 12, 2006 in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 27-3. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball against the Chicago Bears during an NFL football game on Sept. 11, 2005 in Landover, Md. The Redskins defeated the Bears 9-7. (Joe Robbins via AP)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 27: Running back Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redsklns runs with the football against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 27, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Redskins 19-14. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 10: Running back Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins runs with the football against the Philadelphia Eagles at the FedEx Field on December 10, 2006 in Landover, Maryland. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 21-19. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins runs with the football against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game on Nov. 12, 2006 in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 27-3. (Joe Robbins via AP)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 27: Running back Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redsklns runs with the football against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 27, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Redskins 19-14. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 10: Running back Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins runs with the football against the Philadelphia Eagles at the FedEx Field on December 10, 2006 in Landover, Maryland. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 21-19. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Washington Redskins' Ladell Betts (46) heads to the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run as Seattle Seahawks' Leroy Hill follows in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts, right, is stopped by Atlanta Falcons' John Abraham (55) and William Moore in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 10: Running back Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins runs with the football against the Philadelphia Eagles at the FedEx Field on December 10, 2006 in Landover, Maryland. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 21-19. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts looks over his shoulder as he walks on the field before the NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins' Ladell Betts (46) is shown before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts carries the ball in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)
Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins runs for yardage against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sept 22, 2002. The 49ers won 20-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 14: Running back Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins runs with the football against the New Orleans Saints at FedEx Field September 14, 2008 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins defeated the Saints 29-24. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts runs after taking a handoff from Todd Collins in the fourth quarter NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts (46) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, October 11, 2009. The Panthers won the game, 20-17. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
Ladell Betts #46 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Nov. 28, 2004 in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Redskins 16-7. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts (46) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 12, 2004 in Landover, Md. The Redskins defeated the Buccaneers 16-10. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts, right, runs the ball as Redskins tackle Chris Samuels, left, knocks down Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs, center, during the third quarter on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005, in Landover, Md. The Redskins won 9-7. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Iowa running back Ladell Betts breaks a tackle by Indiana's Greg Yeldell, background left, during a 29-yard touchdown run in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 23, 1999, in Iowa City, Iowa. Indiana won 38-31. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa's Ladell Betts (46) celebrates with teammates Erik Jensen, center, and David Porter, left, after scoring a touchdown against Penn State, during the second quarter, Saturday afternoon Sept. 29, 2001, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won the game 24-18. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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