Robert Morris University Athletics

@MBrownRMU

Robert Morris University head football coach John Banaszak announced the hiring of Mike Brown as an assistant coach in July 2015. After working primarily with outside linebackers in his first season, Brown has coached the defensive backs each of the past two seasons.

The defensive backfield put together an impressive 2016 campaign with a pair of Colonials earning All-Northeast Conference accolades under the direction of Brown. Marcelis Branch was a first-team all-league pick before signing a free agent contract with the National Football League's Atlanta Falcons. Branch was third on the team with 71 tackles, broke up seven passes and led the squad with a pair of interceptions. Ryan Richards Jr. was an All-NEC second team selection after tallying 51 tackles and returning an interception for a 75-yard touchdown.
 
Brown’s outside backers saw success in 2015 and helped contribute to a sound defense overall. RMU ranked among the top 25 nationally in seven defensive categories, including total defense, in his first season on staff. Kimani Smith was perhaps on his way to all-league honors before an unfortunate injury brought his campaign to a close. Smith compiled 46 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and an interception in only six games. Smith was named NEC Defensive Player of the Week after a strong effort against nationally ranked South Dakota State in late September. Jimmy Masson also performed well under Brown as he contributed 8.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and returned an interception for a touchdown from his outside position.
 
Prior to his hiring at RMU, Brown was most recently serving as an offensive intern at James Madison where he worked with tight ends during the spring of 2015.
 
During the 2014 season, Brown was an intern with the RMU program, assisting the defensive coaching staff in areas such as film breakdown and scouting reports. He also helped the program’s recruiting coordinator from an operational perspective.
 
Brown was a four-year letterwinner as a safety while attending Mercyhurst. He posted 84 tackles, including 7.0 tackles for loss, and two interceptions in his Laker career. He competed in 44 games and helped the squad to a 30-16 record in the four years he played. He played a role in helping Mercyhurst to an impressive 2010 season in which the Lakers won a program-record 10 games and reached the NCAA Quarterfinals.
 
A native of Irwin, Pennsylvania, Brown earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in sport business from Mercyhurst in 2013.