TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama wasted no time finding a new secondary coach, announcing the hiring of former Colorado defensive coordinator Greg Brown less than 48 hours after hoisting the national championship trophy in Miami Gardens.

Brown, 55, replaces Jeremy Pruitt, who left to become the defensive coordinator at Florida State after six seasons at Alabama. Coach Nick Saban touted Brown's three decades of coaching experience, 15 of which were spent as an assistant coach in the NFL. He inherits an Alabama secondary that finished in the top 10 in fewest passing yards allowed.

"I'm extremely happy to add a coach the caliber of Greg Brown to our staff," Saban said in a news release. "Greg has a tremendous amount of college and NFL experience, and his knowledge in the secondary really made him the perfect fit for this position. He will be an outstanding addition to our coaching staff and we look forward to Greg and his family joining our staff at the University of Alabama."

Brown was the defensive coordinator at Colorado for the past two seasons, his third stint with the Buffaloes. The Buffaloes were ranked 97th in the country in passing defense last season, surrendering 262.5 yards per game. He spent the 2010 season as the co-defensive coordinator at Arizona.

"It is an honor and an unbelievable opportunity to join the staff at the University of Alabama," Brown said in a statement. "I've known and respected Coach Saban for many years and he is the best in the country at what he does. It is the dream of any defensive coach to learn from Coach Saban, especially at a place with Alabama's great tradition and history. I look forward to doing my part to help continue the success with the top college football program in the nation."

Brown spent time with the New Orleans Saints (2002-05), the Atlanta Falcons (2000-01) and the San Francisco 49ers (1999) in the NFL. While in the pros, he coached the likes of Samari Rolle, Rodney Harrison and All-Pro Marcus Robertson.