Press Coverage: Tony Alford leaves Ohio State for Michigan, candidates should line up to replace him

An already-eventful Ohio State offseason took another wild turn on Wednesday.
After nine seasons as Ohio State’s running backs coach, Tony Alford informed Ohio State that he would leave the Buckeyes to become the new running backs coach at Michigan, leaving Ohio State with a coaching staff vacancy to fill after already starting spring practices.
While it shouldn’t necessarily come as a complete shock that Alford decided to move on from the Buckeyes, the destination was certainly unexpected, adding another chapter to an already-heated rivalry in an offseason where there’s more pressure than ever for Ohio State to turn the tables in The Game.
That said, Ryan Day has already shown this offseason that he can respond when unexpected attrition hits his coaching staff, and we don’t expect Ohio State to have much trouble finding a qualified candidate to come coach TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins and the rest of the Buckeyes’ RBs.
In our reaction episode of Press Coverage, we discuss:
Why Alford might have been ready to leave Ryan Day’s staff
How Day could coach the running backs on an interim basis
How Ohio State’s power moves this offseason may have motivated Michigan to make one of its own
The negative reaction that’s already emerged from Ohio State players
Why Eddie George should be Day’s first call and why Ohio State will have no shortage of interested candidates if George isn’t interested
Head to Eleven Warriors to stay up to date on Ohio State football, basketball, recruiting, and other news:
www.elevenwarr...
Subscribe to Eleven Warriors on KZbin:
www.youtube.co...
Follow 11W on social media!
➜ Twitter: / 11w
➜ Facebook: / elevenwarriors
➜ Instagram: / elevenwarriors
#GoBucks

[@forextrader7594]

So this will be your excuse when Mason Graham shuts down your run game next year. “THEY HAVE OUR RUNNING BACKS COACH😢😢😢”

[@jimmy5634]

Mason Graham is a 🤡

[@GBU61]

Because of the timing, there is clearly some reason this is happening. Odds are it has to do with the new direction Chip Kelly will be going with the offense. With the talent in the RB room, Ohio State will have plenty of candidates to replace him.

[@whiskeytangofoxtrot97]

But but but I thought the ncaa hammer was coming down on Michigan 😂

[@wattsinc.]

Um 🤔. Even if not tony isn't a good coach.

[@whiskeytangofoxtrot97]

Seemed great for Urban more ammunition that OSU cannot get away from the soft as charmin spread game Where’s Lou Holtz when you need him

[@wattsinc.]

@@whiskeytangofoxtrot97 okay. How about the rb coach that just left from Michigan is ten times the coach the one Michigan received. I may be a buckeye fan, but i give credit where credit is due. Michigan had the dominant run style of the big ten

[@sianefer-ptah1258]

😂😂😂 I believe the NCAA said, "...fair and square". Still, haters gonna hate 💛💙🏆

[@SR-hf3hx]

Im trying to be unbiased as a Michigan fan here....there's a correlation here...Alford was great under Meyer not so great under day. Meyer would spread and run more... Day is pass heavy. I think it's a good steal

[@rickphillips4705]

I keep hearing the best in the country. That’s all on paper. Still have to play the game.

[@shabbykuka5395]

WOW!!!! Have known Tony since his days at Louisville. It blows my mind that he’s been so highly successful and has only had 1 head coaching interview (his alma mater Colorado State). Excellent recruiter that has developed a stable of NFL running backs. If I had to guess why he left is more of an opportunity to be more than the running back coach under Chip Kelly.

[@Heruohio]

Its not arguably the best running back room in the country. Its by far the best running back room in history. Some say the alabama backfield with Henry, Yeldon, and Drake. But the fact is that season was the only back to run for over 1,000 yards. And the previous year Yeldon was the only back to have significant playing time, and Derrick Henry wasn't even there. So going into a season this is without a doubt the best running back room going into a season ever.

[@dannybaldwin7343]

🤷 Change is good ego and pride is differently in this equation. 🤷

[@robertjulieannanalett1691]

Funny you said should line up when Ohio State doesn't have an offensive line and hasn't had one for years. Alfred realized that quality backs deserve to have excellent offensive line the two go hand in hand.

[@CocoVonKokonut]

Adios, Tony ... Go, Bucks

[@jimmy5634]

Alford was already talking to the clowns up North long before spring practice. Does anyone really believe Alford got a job with Messed-again a week into the spring practice? He’s been talking to them for quite awhile.

[@throgmortonartstudio2402]

I have been an OSU fan my entire life and I am here to tell you this is a win for OSU!

[@aaha100]

You weren't here yesterday to tell us 😂

[@throgmortonartstudio2402]

@@aaha100 That literally means nothing. Next time you think you have something smart to say, try again. lmao!

[@aaha100]

@@throgmortonartstudio2402 it means you didn't think that yesterday, I should have known I'd have to explain it to an osu fan 😆

[@throgmortonartstudio2402]

@@aaha100 Which has literally nothing to do with my original comment. Try again.

[@throgmortonartstudio2402]

@@aaha100 Not to mention I think there are probably other coaches on staff that I would have the same response too.

[@blue888ful]

He wants a team that stresses O Line development. Day runs a soft program that he was tired of. Mike Hart did not like to recruit and it cost him his job. Also, all the tampering infractions that OSU committed probably made Tony upset. OSU won’t score on Michigan’s defense this year. We will continue your beat downs in November. Soft OSU program dealing with the National Champs.

[@clarencewalder2985]

Now let's talk about you. What have U done or not done?

[@davehamann5967]

Lol That's all you got?! Tissue?

[@standingupt]

DUH-NIAL

[@standingupt]

He wants a program that stresses O-Line development?!😂😂😂 He was OUT at tOSU-pppppllllllease-thanks for the laughs!!!

[@randyjones725]

Ohio State has already hired its rb coach they finalized that earlier this month. Scottie graham is the new rb coach

[@scottelliott2931]

Every year you say how great you’re running back classes are and they always stink

[@billbrasky12]

Wanna know why he left? . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Day only offered him a ONE year deal. Other position coaches got multi year deals. Kelly wasn't a big fan

[@dmd2652]

Wanna to know why he left ? . . . . . . . . . Ryan day doesn't run the ball you know that because you've watched his games the last 3 years against Michigan he wants to go to the team that treats running backs like running backs but you know that go blue

[@billbrasky12]

@@dmd2652 🤣🤣🤣🤣 You're such a putz..clueless..

[@nicholastaiariol2631]

Can’t beat em, join em!

[@kelwheat]

This is not that big of a story.

[@Superfreq69]

Didn't Bo Schembeckler leave OSU for Michigan?

[@sianefer-ptah1258]

Miami of Ohio. He left OSU a while before taking the head coach job.

[@billpage1109]

And his only natty came at OSU

[@joshlapoint9993]

​@@billpage1109and he had a winning record against osu and 13 big ten championships.

[@D_Shep343]

This seems like a big F-U to the Buckeyes.

[@maxstorts6793]

Do you really think Alford was that important?

[@Jleed989]

By the tone of the comments, yes!

[@cobra-judy-anspq11]

WTF. “Interesting” timing and “interesting” choice of destination. Feels really, really personal. Makes you wonder if the people in that room were taken into consideration, when this decision was made. My other thought was maybe Chip Kelly’s arrival had something to do with this. Maybe he had someone in mind for that position with whom he has previously had a working relationship. Or maybe he himself will be the new running backs coach. The prominent role that RBs play in his offense is a well known aspect of his overall approach. In whatever case one would expect an imminent announcement from Coach Day as to what will shortly follow Tony’s departure.

[@EKJ313_]

Washed Mattison for Prime Alford sounds like a fair trade😂 #HAIL

[@greenie43]

🤣 please be bitter, ncaa would move headquaters to Columbut!!

[@rickphillips4705]

Stop the narrative, Joey never really played at Michigan buddy.

[@ChimichangaGuy]

Why has no sport outlet covered this? There's nothing on ESPN or 24/7 sports

[@davehamann5967]

ESPN is in love with o$u. They are probably coming up with a spin of there own.

[@theonly_VT]

Chip doesn't have a say. Day is the HC. He will add who he likes and what he brings to the table.

[@buckeyetater7540]

It’s a running back coach guys. Let’s just chill.

[@matthewharmon7956]

Does not like our new offensive coordinator??

[@danschwartz1950]

Even with Ohio States easier schedule - which team do you think will have the most rushing yards this season in the BIG10?

[@MichaelWilson-gi3gp]

Denard to Columbus 😳😜

[@joeygilligan4278]

No way! LOL!

[@MichaelWilson-gi3gp]

@@joeygilligan4278 😂🤣😂🤣

[@jermainerunnels9828]

He only had a yr left on his contract

[@christopherellis9322]

True but he could of had pick any other school💯

[@tut0ne190]

Ryan Day didn’t wanna resign him to an extension so he went for the money. I don’t blame him.

[@davehamann5967]

Lololo Can't you come up with a better pile of scrap than THAT??

[@surgeneral108]

Sounds like a bunch of B.S. 🐂💩that Day had no knowledge of why Tony left, ...any REAL journalist (hint hint) would get both sides aka a short interview with coach Alford

[@atlbuck]

Crazy...I guess he doesn't want to go to heaven.

[@fortshucker]

He just did!

[@atlbuck]

@@fortshucker hahaha

[@richardwilson3528]

Show me the money

[@patrickgreen3546]

Straight 🗑 move!!!😮

[@mikekelly5422]

Alford did nothing of note. Deuces.

[@dannybaldwin7343]

😳

[@765lbsquat]

Years of underperforming by Alford led to him being forced to leave. Alford then acted like a petulant baby and went to Michigan to spite Ryan Day. There was definitely some bad blood between Day and Alford brewing for years.

[@davehamann5967]

That's BS and you know it!

[@maxstorts6793]

Where just is Mike Hart?

[@blue888ful]

He was not offered a contract. Lazy recruiter that hates recruiting. Great coach but not recruiting at Michigan’s elite Championship level.

[@Wolverine-xm6pp]

10-2

[@greggulli3904]

Go Blue💙 How ironic 😅Another loss for Day to M 2024

[@arlynlafontainealayon7562]

Is like love one go more is on the way to choose

[@junkyarddog76]

Where is this hammer that’s suppose to come down on Michigan?

[@deanhunt7527]

GO BLUE

[@campbellsportsinc]

🤣😂🤣☘️☘️☘️ hilarious and YOU DON'T HAVE THE #1 RB ROOM IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL 🤡🤡 IT'S AT NOTRE DAME OFF SEASON PAPER CHAMPS 🏆 RB JADARIAN PRICE AND JEREMIYAH LOVE ARE MUCH MORE DOMINANT THAN part time RB Treyvon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins who Ole Miss was done with ☘️☘️

[@brianritchey7923]

The guy gave me racist vibes. I wouldn't discount the black head coach element. The timing is terrible, and deliberately so (should be investigated). Otherwise, no big deal. He was the weakest coach on the staff.

[@Jon.A.Scholt]

This sounds like some crap an idiot would post on some QAnon 4chan post.

[@robertjulieannanalett1691]

No problem Ryan day has investigators on staff

[@Jon.A.Scholt]

When a white dude says "The guy gave me racist vibes" about a black coach, I think it's pretty easy to figure out who the actual racist likely is.... And I'm sure this post will also get deleted because apparently calling out racism on Buckeye threads is "not cool".

[@SR-hf3hx]

I'm not getting into racist or racial vibes lol..but Moore is a young black guy who is married to a white woman. He's gonna kill it recruiting any race, he already has. Plus if you look at his staff it's all established black guys who he's comfortable with and worked with before. There is a racial element but I don't think there's racism involved

[@jasongenovich1183]

if you can't beat UM join UM

[@blue888ful]

Michigans Defense will stuff OSUs offense with no O line.

[@MikeWallace-b8p]

Go blue

[@sac3074]

I looked up Scottie Graham's Wikipedia Is he our Next RB Coach 🤔 en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottie_Graham