Indiana hires former Michigan RB Mike Hart as running backs coach

Mike Hart, a former Michigan running back, has been hired as the running backs coach at Indiana by coach Tom Allen, as first reported by Matthew Weaver of Peegs.

The 30-year-old has been the running backs coach at Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, and Syracuse. He will replace Deland McCullough, who left the Hoosiers after six seasons to become the new running backs coach at USC.

Hart played for Michigan from 2004 to 2007 and holds the Michigan career rushing record with 5,040 yards. The 5-foot-9, 205-pound athlete was drafted in the sixth round (202nd overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. During his time in the NFL, Hart ran the ball 71 times for 264 yards and two touchdowns.

Indiana offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Mike DeBord and Hart have previous relations from when DeBord was the special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Michigan from 2004-2007. After two seasons in that role, DeBord took over for Terry Malone as the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach in 2006.

The Hoosiers will have their first spring practice on Saturday. The Crimson & Cream Spring Game is scheduled for 7:00 PM on April 13th. Indiana opens the season on August 31st against Ohio State.