The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry takes on many forms, including one program poaching assistants from the other.
Back in 2019, it was Ryan Day hiring Greg Mattison and Al Washington away from the Wolverines. Now, new Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore is reportedly close to hiring away a critical Buckeyes staff member.
Football Scoop’s John Brice broke the news this morning that Moore is targeting Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford for the same position on his staff.
“A deal could be reached as early as today if the parties come to an agreement sources shared,” Brice wrote.
Alford has been with OSU since 2015. Originally hired by former head coach Urban Meyer, he has helped tutor a plethora of talented backs during his time in Columbus, including Ezekiel Elliott, J.K. Dobbins, Mike Weber, Master Teague, Trey Sermon, TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams.
Prior to OSU, Alford spent six seasons at Notre Dame, working for Charlie Weis and then Brian Kelly. Alford coached running backs, slots and wide receivers during his time in South Bend and also served as recruiting coordinator for his final three seasons.
The 55-year-old former Colorado State running back has also coached the backfields at Mount Union, Iowa State, Washington and Louisville.
Needless to say, Alford would be a major loss, and would only increase the pressure on Day to beat Michigan on the field this fall after suffering three straight losses to the Wolverines.