Leaving a job with Ohio State football for one with Michigan is sure to draw headlines, and Tony Alford generated more than his fair share when making that move this offseason.
Alford arrived in Ann Arbor in mid-March to assume the offensive run game coordinator and running backs coach role with the Wolverines — a new chapter in his career that follows nine seasons with the Buckeyes. This week, he joined The John McCallister Report and shared more about his move between the two rival programs.
"This is such a transient job that we have, and we all know that going into it. Nine years is like an eternity in the coaching profession," Alford said, describing himself as "deeply indebted" to Ohio State and the Buckeye community. "And so I was very fortunate for those nine years, as I said earlier, but I just think it was time.
"And 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 any one party saying 'screw you.' It was never any of that. I think for both parties, I think we both knew it. And it was just time."
Alford arrived to a Michigan program replacing one of its greatest running backs: Blake Corum, who in addition to promising a national championship (and backing it up) left as U-M's career record-holder in rushing touchdowns (58), total touchdowns (61), and career points scored (356).
Alford has previously spoken about the depth in the running back room, which is headlined by Donovan Edwards and also features Kalel Mullings and Benjamin Hall, among others. His appearance on The John McCallister Report didn't explore any specifics about the Wolverines' roster in 2024, but the new running backs coach did have plenty of positives to share about his new program.
"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 have been nothing but open arms and kind and great to me and really good people. I mean, unbelievable people.
"And so for that, I'm grateful for them for embracing me and bringing me in from the rival, if you will, in the way that they have. And like I said, I just think it was time for everyone involved. I know it was time for everyone involved — not think, I know. And here we are."