Ryan Day addresses concern Tony Alford could give Michigan insight into Chip Kelly offense

Ryan Day addressed concerns that departed Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford could give Michigan some insight into Chip Kelly’s offense.

Alford left Columbus for Ann Arbor during spring practice. However, Day wasn’t too concerned about Michigan getting a distinct advantage at knowing how Ohio State’s new and improved offense works.

Plus, it’s a long way away from November.

“Yeah, we were nowhere near where we’re going to be as we head down the road,” Day said. “That was two practices in the spring, and a lot of what we did was, you know, what we’ve done in the past and then we sprinkled in a couple of things that Chip’s done. But there’s just so much more that he has that’s out in front of us, but I think more importantly, like this could look differently moving forward in terms of our offense.

“Just you know, how we’re doing things, who’s in what spots. We have really good receivers, we have really good tight ends, we have good running backs, but ultimately it comes down to what the quarterback can do well, the types of throws that he can make.” 

Day also acknowledged the run game will look different as spring practice progresses into the summer and so on and so forth. That’s expected since they’ll have to replace Alford at some point.

“You know, the run game will look different,” Day said. “It just will and that’s a long time, a long journey to get to next November so you know, I just think there’s gonna be so many twists and turns along the way. I think right now with the quarterback communication, being able to use that which we utilized the first three practices, that’s been good. That certainly allows us more flexibility as we call plays.”

Alford’s new role with Michigan will be the run game coordinator and running backs coach.

“There are so many people to thank and acknowledge,” Alford wrote. “For fear of leaving anyone out, I will intentionally only name 6 individuals by name. But to those of you who know, well, you know.

“I want to specifically thank [former Ohio Sate head coach] Urban Meyer and [athletic director] Gene Smith for giving me the opportunity to come here back in February 2015. I want to thank [current Buckeyes’ head man] Ryan Day and the numerous members of the coaching staff and support staff within The Woody. So many lifelong friendships have been formed and I am appreciative of you all.”