5 best things about Michigan stealing Tony Alford from Ohio State

easyThere were rumors about a major hire coming for Michigan football to replace Mike Hart, but no one could have predicted that Sherrone Moore would steal Ryan Day’s running backs coach, Tony Alford.

Yet, by Wednesday afternoon, with a lightning-fast background check I might add, Michigan football had announced Alford as its replacement for Mike Hart.

Welcome @CoachTonyAlford to the greatest university in the world! 〽️#GoBlue | https://t.co/OS2T9UX4eE pic.twitter.com/V1WXYgb46P

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) March 13, 2024

It’s hard to imagine a better hire by Sherrone Moore. DeMarco Murray was a name mentioned and would have been a home run. But even that doesn’t compare to stealing away a top assistant from a rival.

Alford is a great recruiter and a great developer of talent. He’s known as one of the best running back coaches in the country, and here are the five best things about him leaving the dark side to join the Wolverines.

The attempted justification

It was almost immediate, but Ohio State fans were ripping on a coach that they praised, effusively, once it was reported that he was a Michigan Wolverine. I understand it, but it doesn’t make it any less hilarious.

Bucknuts reported that “there was a reason Tony didn’t get a contract extension after the 2023 season.” Dave Biddle, bless his heart, also said Alford was getting “lazy” on the recruiting trail.

After Ohio State fans have tried to dunk on Michigan football fans for the supposed “hammer dropping” and for the Buckeyes “offseason” title, it’s funny to see how quickly Alford went from great to terrible.

An expedited background check

This is total conjecture on my part. However, seeing how long it took for the defensive assistants to pass background checks before they were announced, this deal had to be done for weeks.

There is no other explanation. They were waiting on the background check probably to announce it officially. Whatever actually happened, it’s very plausible that Alford coached spring ball at Ohio State, which started last week, knowing he would be coaching at Michigan football next season.

Even if it’s not true, I hope Ohio State fans believe it is. At the very least, Alford was interviewing with Moore while coaching up the Ohio State running backs, which I find hilarious.

Should lock down the RB room

Despite the loss of Mike Hart, there wasn’t much concern about Donovan Edwards leaving the Michgan football program. Kalel Mullings is also expected to get his opportunity next season and there weren’t any rumblings about a departure.

Still, landing Alford should shut the door completely on that. He recruited Edwards coming out of high school and knows Jordan Marshall really well too, a 2024 signee for the Wolverines. His reputation also precedes him and while I don’t see any Ohio State running backs following him (U-M doesn’t have room or need them) this is another good move for roster retention for 2024 and beyond.

Alford will provide a huge boost on the recruiting trail

Mike Hart was a great coach. He wasn’t necessarily a great recruiter though and doesn’t have the track record of Alford who excelled at Notre Dame and Ohio State. According to Steve Lorenz of The Michigan Insider, Alford has landed recruits at 11 different positions from 11 different states.

That’s not a guy who is just going to help recruiting for just the running back position. He’s going to help in a lot of different ways and should have a strong connection with the state of Ohio. That’s going to be important, especially after the loss of Steve Clinkscale, who had that strong tie to the Buckeye State before.

Moore said he would be aggressive on the recruiting trail as Michigan football head coach and his coaching staff certainly reflects that attitude.

Michigan has done plenty of winning this offseason too

The Wolverines didn’t win any “offseason championships” but Michigan football had a fine offseason, all things considered.

Yes, Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL. He wants to win a Super and frankly, I wouldn’t bet against him. But the Wolverines replaced him with an up-and-comer who owns a pair of top-10 victories already, including a win over Ohio State in “The Game.”

Moore understands the culture, is a great tactician, and frankly, an elite recruiter — just look at how he retained the current roster. Keon Sabb was the only notable transfer and Moore should get lots of credit for that.

Hiring Wink Martindale was huge. The “OG” on the Michigan defensive scheme should make for a smooth transition and if we are grading Moore’s first month or so on the job, the report card would be an easy A.

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