After nearly a decade at Ohio State, running backs coach Tony Alford made a surprising move, accepting a position with the Buckeyes arch-nemesis: the Michigan Wolverines.
Alford developed numerous top-tier running backs while in Columbus. Now, he’ll attempt to repeat the same success on Sherrone Moore’s staff up north.
Wow adding fuel to the rivalry
— Next Pro Scouting (@NextProScouts) March 13, 2024
Alford recently opened up about his decision to trade scarlet and gray for the once-hated maize and blue.
“I just thought it was time … Might have been time for both parties,” he told The Athletic.
Tony Alford on leaving Ohio State for Michigan: “I just thought it was time. Might have been time for both parties.”
He said he felt like he’d gone as far as he could go at OSU and was ready for a change after nine years in one place.
— Austin Meek (@byAustinMeek) April 10, 2024
As for Moore, he and the entire Michigan coaching staff has welcomed Alford in with open arms.
“Tony is an elite running backs coach who is an outstanding mentor and example for young men in all aspects of football and life,” Moore said in a statement.
“I know that he will have a profound impact on our running back room and football program. We are excited to have Tony and his wife, Trina, and their boys join the Michigan Football Family.”
Tony Alford Is Going To Love It Here 😎#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/ATOUJNu1BK
— THE RED RANGER (@THEREDRANGER3) March 13, 2024
During his time at Ohio State, Alford played a crucial role in the development of six 1,000-yard rushers, many of whom went on to successful careers in the NFL.
His track record of success makes him a valuable addition to Michigan’s coaching staff, particularly as the Wolverines aim to strengthen their running game even further.
F*ck it, Tony Alford highlights pic.twitter.com/ezNb8yQtsb
— JJ McCarthy Fan (@JJOneOfOne) March 13, 2024
With the departure of legendary head coach Jim Harbaugh (we can call him that now, right?), Michigan now enters a new era under Moore’s leadership.
Coming off a historic national championship season, Moore will look to continue the standard of excellence that Harbaugh set.
Alford’s arrival in Ann Arbor adds depth and experience to the coaching staff, and the Wolverines figure to be better because of it.
Ohio State admin- “It’s either win a national championship this season or the entire coaching staff is fired.”
Tony Alford after watching the QB’s practice one time this spring- pic.twitter.com/hZegmpxUaw
— MGo🫘 (@MJoeBean) March 13, 2024
What are your thoughts on Alford leaving Ohio State for Michigan?
Is there more to the story than meets the eye?
Is this the year when Ryan Day and the Buckeyes finally restore order?
In many ways, it feels like we’re on an Ohio State-Georgia collision course … If that matchup happens, who do you think has the upper hand???
Tony Alford saw this and said “Nah I’m good” pic.twitter.com/vpxo03CfFq
— Buckeye Fett™ (@BuckeyeFett) March 26, 2024