Darren Paige was named the University of Cincinnati football program's running backs coach, Head Coach Luke Fickell announced Monday.

Paige, entering his second decade in coaching, came to UC after spending 2019-20 mentoring wide receivers at Eastern Michigan.

"Happy to complete our coaching staff with the hire of Darren Paige," Fickell said. "Darren was someone who really impressed us during the interview process. He's got a proven record of getting the best out of his players at every stop he's made, brings a perspective from outside our program and was the best possible fit for our program. Excited to see how that translates into on-the-field success as he takes over a very strong position group."

"I am very excited to get to work alongside this collection of men Coach Fickell has assembled on this staff," Paige said. "Coach Fickell is someone I have always admired and respected as a man and a coach. This opportunity is one I am truly grateful for and excited about. I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work with the young men in the program and our staff."

In two years in Ypsilanti, Paige was part of a staff which led the nation in red-zone offense in 2020 and put up over 5,000 yards of total offense and set three school records on the way to a Quick Lane Bowl appearance.

Paige has previous collegiate coaching stops at Stony Brook, Holy Cross, Midwestern State and Gannon. The Rossford, Ohio, native started his coaching career at Haines City (Fla.) HS in 2009.

He played collegiately at Miami (OH) in 2003 and transferred to Findlay where he led the Oilers in receptions and receiving yards from 2005-07, totaling 117 catches for 1,461 yards and eight touchdowns.

A 2008 graduate of Findlay, Paige also has a master's degree from Kent State.

Paige and his wife Amanda, have a son, Brandon.