Michigan targeting Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford

Michigan is targeting Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford for the same position, a source told On3. The news was first reported by Matt Fortuna.

A source indicated to On3 that Alford interviewed for the position and is the top target for the job.

Alford has spent the past nine seasons with the Buckeyes after spending the previous six at Notre Dame, and would be replacing former running backs coach Mike Hart after it was confirmed last week that he would not be returning to Ann Arbor for the 2024 season.

College football insider Pete Thamel added that Alford has already informed Ohio State officials that he will be leaving the program, expect to officially become the Wolverines next running backs coach.

New Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was tasked with replacing a multitude of staff members this offseason following the departure of former head coach Jim Harbaugh to the Los Angeles Chargers. With Hart being the latest following his exit a little over a week before the Wolverines kick off spring practice.

It’s clear that Moore doesn’t mind crossing enemy lines to fill the last coaching vacancy of his staff, as he looks to poach Alford from the Buckeyes in a deal that can be reached as early as Wednesday. With the potential move having major ramifications regarding one of college football’s greatest rivalries and the even more competitive new-look Big Ten Conference this upcoming season.

Alford is not only regarded as one of the best running back coaches in the country, but one of the best recruiters at the position. Recruiting and coaching 1,000-yard, award-winning rushers like Ezekiel Elliott, Mike Weber, J.K. Dobbins, and TreVeyon Henderson.

He’d be bringing over two decades of experience coaching running backs with him to Ann Arbor, also making stops at Louisville, Iowa State, Washington, and Kent State throughout his career. And would also be leaving an Ohio State staff that recently hired former UCLA head coach Chip Kelly as their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach and a running back room that returns Henderson and added Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins this offseason.

Alford would be coaching under new offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell as Moore transitioned out of the role to become the head coach. Inheriting a running back group highlighted by the return of Donovan Edwards and Michigan’s top recruit of the 2024 signing class Jordan Marshall, who was ranked the No. 4 running back in the nation according to the On3 Industry Ranking.