BUFFALO, NY - Brian Polian is back in familiar surroundings after being named running backs coach at the University at Buffalo by head coach Jim Hofher.

Brian Polian

Polian, who was an All-Western New York player at St. Francis High School, will be back on the sidelines at UB for his second stint with the Bulls. In 1998, Polian worked as a graduate assistant with Buffalo's tight ends and offensive line before taking a similar position at Baylor University.

During his two seasons at Baylor, Polian coached the strongside linebackers and coordinated the Bears' special teams. During his season on the UB coaching staff the Bulls' offense finished 12th in the nation in rushing offense and in the top 25 in total offense in NCAA Division I-AA. Bufffalo also set a school record for yards rushing that season.

Prior to his first appointment at UB, Polian served as an offensive assistant at Michigan State. While at MSU, he served as the assistant offensive line coach and also worked with the special teams. In Polian's one fall in East Lansing, the Spartans finished 24th in the nation and played in the Aloha Bowl.

Polian has a family tradition in football. His father, Bill Polian, is the president and general manager of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. His older brother, Chris, also works for the Colts as the director of pro scouting.

A graduate of John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH, Polian earned a bachelor's degree in history in 1997. Polian lettered three years at linebacker at John Carroll and was named to the all-Ohio Athletic Conference team in 1996. While at John Carroll, Polian helped lead the 1994 and '96 teams to top 10 finishes in the national rankings for Division III.