Quoting a source, ESPN Dallas reports the Cowboys will hire Gary Brown as their running backs coach. Brown, a former NFL running back, played eight seasons with Houston, San Diego and the New York Giants and has spent the last four years as the Cleveland Browns’ running backs coach.

At first glance, the 43-year old Brown seems like an odd choice. His Cleveland teams ranked 18th, 22nd, 31st and 21st in yards per attempt during Brown's tenure as a RB coach, but those numbers may have to be seen in the context of Cleveland's overall record over the last four seasons in which they fnished 5-11 three times and 4-12 once.

While in Cleveland, Brown coached both Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis to career-high seasons, Harrison to 862 total yards in 2009 and Hillis to 1,177 total yards in 2010. Neither player had recorded more than 400 yards in their previous two seasons combined.

Prior to joining Cleveland, Brown spent six years as a college coach. In 2008, Brown was the running backs coach at Rutgers University. Before that, Brown was the as offensive coordinator at Susquehanna University from 2006-2007. Brown got his start into coaching as the offensive coordinator at Williamsport (Pa.) Area High School from 2000-02 before moving up into the college ranks as the running backs coach at Lycoming College (2003-05).

Gary Brown’s Coaching Background:

2009-12: Cleveland Browns, running backs coach

2008: Rutgers University, running backs coach

2006-07: Susquehanna University, offensive coordinator

2003-05: Lycoming College, running backs coach