This offseason, Tony Alford did what many Buckeye fans consider unthinkable. After nine seasons as Ohio State's running backs coach, he left for Michigan.
Alford arrived in Ann Arbor in March to assume the offensive run game coordinator and running backs coach role with the Wolverines. This week, the 55-year-old joined The John McCalister Report to discuss his move between the rival programs.
"This is such a transient job we have. We all know that going into it. Nine years is like an eternity in the coaching profession," Alford said. "I was very fortunate for those nine years (in Columbus), but I just think it was time. ... I think it was time for them and Ryan Day and Ohio State, and it was time for Tony Alford. I don't think it was one party saying, 'Screw you.' It was never any of that. I think both parties – I think we both knew it. It was time."
“I'm as happy as I've been in a long time, as far as in my coaching profession. I'm in a good place. I'm in a good place.”– Tony Alford on coaching at michigan
Alford left behind a running back room of TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon at Ohio State. He now leads a room of Donovan Edwards, Kalel Mullings and Benjamin Hall at Michigan.
While Alford did not share specific details about the Michigan running back room with McCalister, he did reveal several positive aspects of his experiences coaching the position in Ann Arbor.
"I'm as happy as I've been in a long time, as far as in my coaching profession," Alford said. "I'm in a good place. I'm in a good place. And Sherrone Moore and that staff has been nothing but open arms and kind and great to me and really good people. I mean, unbelievable people. ... I'm grateful for them embracing me and bringing me in from the rival, if you will, in the way that they have. I think it was time for everyone involved. I know it was time for everyone involved – not think, I know. And here we are."
Alford was one of two Ohio State staffers to leave for Michigan this offseason. On June 11, now-former assistant athletic director for football recruiting and events Erin Dunston accepted a position as the Wolverines' director of operations.
Ohio State and Michigan will face off in the 120th edition of The Game on Nov. 30 in Columbus. FOX will broadcast the 2024 regular-season finale at noon.
