Tony Alford reveals why he left Ohio State for Michigan

James Parks | Apr 10, 2024

Ex-Ohio State Buckeyes running backs coach Tony Alford left for Michigan this offseason. / Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA

Tony Alford leaving Ohio State to take the running backs coach position at arch-rival Michigan was one of the more notable coaching moves during college football's offseason.

In the process, the Buckeyes lost their second-longest tenured football assistant and the Wolverines gained a veteran coaching presence in the midst of other major changes at the program. Why choose Michigan? Alford explained some of his reasoning at a recent practice.

"I just thought it was a great opportunity for me," Alford told reporters.

"For my growth, professional growth, things of that nature, [I] thought it was a great opportunity, and I have so much respect for Sherrone [Moore, Michigan's head coach], I've known him for quite a while."

"I just thought it was time," Alford added. "Might have been time for both parties, I don't know. But I thought it was time. It was a good opportunity."

Had he stayed at Ohio State, Alford would have led one of college football's most talented running back rooms, as the Buckeyes return veteran TreVeyon Henderson to the backfield, in addition to signing blue-chip transfer Quinshon Judkins, who led the SEC the last two seasons at Ole Miss.

But now, he'll take charge of the position at the reigning national championship program in an expanded Big Ten heading into 2024.

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