Ohio State's Ryan Day 'Not Concerned' In Finding RB Coach Tony Alford's Replacement

Ryan Day knows whoever is the Ohio State Buckeyes next head coach will be set up for success with three of the Big Ten's top rushers.

The Ohio State Buckeyes need a new running backs coach following Tony Alford's departure to Michigan. For now, Buckeyes coach Ryan Day is focused more so on spring practice than looking at resumes. 

With another week of practice underway, Day said the Buckeyes might be without a position coach for some time, though he's not worried about someone wanting to fill the role when hearing they'd be working with options like Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson next fall.

“Right now, the focus is on trying to find the right person,” Day said. “I think it’s the best running back room in the country right now, so I think it’s an exciting job. The candidate pool has been excellent.

“Whoever we hire is going to have an unbelievable opportunity and a great group of guys.”

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Henderson hit the double-digit marker in touchdowns (11) for the second time in three seasons while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. He's fully healthy entering his senior season and looks to be the Big Ten's leading rusher before heading off to the pros. 

His biggest competitor? Likely Judkins, who dominated the SEC during his two seasons at Ole Miss, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns while totaling 31 rushing touchdowns. Last season, the Rebels posted their first 11-win campaign in program history, largely thanks to Judkins' 1,158 rushing yards. 

Judkins elected to transfer following the Peach Bowl to profit off his name, image, and likeness. Even if his carries diminish, the Pike Road, Ala. native is used to splitting reps with another talented tailback. He shared duties with Uylesses Bentley during his time in Oxford. 

Redshirt sophomore Dallen Hayden also returns to Columbus and should expect a more substantial role with the departures of Myian Williams and Chip Trayanum. Last season, Hayden recorded 19 carries (11 of which came in a 41-7 win over Purdue) for 110 yards and a touchdown. 

Day said the trio have been handling Alford's departure well.

Tony Alford Thanks Players, Fans After Michigan Departure

“Tre said it best: You rely on each other,” Day said. “The brotherhood is strong here. That’s something we preach a lot – the relationships with each other, the love for each other. Ultimately, that’s what the power of the unit is all about, so the guys in that room, they’re strong. They’re going to rely on each other.”