Michigan announced Wednesday that it hired Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford to be the Wolverines’ running backs coach and run game coordinator.
“Tony is an elite running backs coach who is an outstanding mentor and example for young men in all aspects of football and life,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said in a news release. “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.”
The move comes after Michigan was unable to reach a contract extension with Mike Hart, who spent the past three seasons coaching running backs at his alma mater. By hiring Alford, Michigan is replacing its career rushing leader with a coach from Ohio State, adding another twist to the heated rivalry between the Buckeyes and Wolverines.
Alford, a native of Akron, Ohio, spent the past nine years at Ohio State, coaching standout running backs such as Ezekiel Elliott, J.K. Dobbins and TreVeyon Henderson. He arrived at Ohio State after previous stops at Notre Dame, Louisville, Iowa State and Washington.
Buckeye Nation…. pic.twitter.com/R5a4fTMskL
— Coach Tony Alford (@CoachTonyAlford) March 13, 2024
Hiring Alford completes Michigan’s coaching staff…
