Northwestern is closing in on its next running backs coach, according to a report.

That’s per On3’s Matt Zenitz, who says the Wildcats are expected to hire East Carolina’s Chris Foster for the role. Foster has been nominated for the Broyles Award in 2 of the last 3 seasons.

Foster also coached ECU running back Keaton Mitchell, who has rushed for 2,584 yards and 23 touchdowns over the past 2 seasons.

Foster has been the running backs coach at ECU for the past 2 seasons. Prior to that, he served as the program’s recruiting coordinator.

Prior to his arrival at ECU, Foster also coached at Georgia Southern, Maryville, Appalachian State and Gardner-Webb. He played at Gardner-Webb from 2000-03 and left the program as its 6th all-time leading rusher.

Foster replaces Lou Ayeni, who departed the program earlier this offseason to join the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff. He’ll be tasked with taking over a unit that managed just 3.2 yards per rush last season, which ranked 13th in the Big Ten.

Northwestern’s spring game is on April 22.