Buckeyes RB coach Tony Alford leaving for same position at Michigan
COLUMBUS — Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford has been with the program for nearly a decade.
Now though, he is jumping to the other side of the greatest rivalry in all of college football. Alford is set to become the next running backs coach at Michigan, according to On3’s Pete Nakos and others.
New Michigan coach Sherrone Moore targeted Alford to replace departing Wolverines tailback coach Mike Hart. Now the move is happening.
Alford has been with the Buckeyes since 2015, going 5-3 against Michigan as an assistant coach. He was hired by Urban Meyer and was retained in 2019 under Ryan Day.
Top 10
- 1New
Dick Vitale
Predicts Final Four, champs
- 2
Madness is undeway
First Four opens with thriller
- 3Hot
Jay Bilas
Reveals his bracket, upsets
- 4
EA Sports CFB 26
Doubles pay to players in appearing in game
- 5Trending
Mel Kiper
Mock Draft 3.0
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
The former Notre Dame running backs coach has coached Ezekiel Elliott, Mike Weber, JK Dobbins, TreVeyon Henderson and plenty of other star tailbacks for the Buckeyes during his tenure. All of those backs have eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark, and Dobbins topped 2,000 yards on the ground during the 2019 campaign.
But this 2024 season was expected to be among the best of Alford’s tenure. Henderson passed on the NFL to return to Ohio State, and the Buckeyes added former Ole Miss star Quinshon Judkins to the loaded backfield. Both players have Heisman Trophy potential. Third-year back Dallan Hayden and a pair of freshmen tailbacks will also be in that talent-laden room at Ohio State.
Alford, though, won’t be around to coach any of them. He’s leaving to become the next running backs coach at Michigan.
And the incredible rivalry is adding another insane wrinkle.
Counting Down
Buckeyes vs. Akron: 171 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 262 days
Are you a Lettermen Row member yet?
Are you ready to get all your latest Ohio State news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on X, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.
