Ohio State running backs coach confirms departure, does not mention Michigan

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Departing running backs coach Tony Alford’s farewell to the Ohio State football community was long on thank yous, but did not mention Michigan.

Alford is expected to be named the next running backs coach for the Wolverines. Ohio State confirmed he is no longer on staff.

Alford wrote a long post on X.com entitled “Thank you” in which he thanked former coach Urban Meyer, athletic director Gene Smith and coach Ryan Day. He also set aside one section to address his players.

“Now to the most important people, the players,” Alford said. “You guys have had such an amazing impact on me, not only as a coach but as a father and as a man. I thank you and your families so much for allowing me to be a small part of your journey. I can only ope that I made half as much an impact on you all as you have on me.

“Watching so many of you grow to become the men that you have become makes me so proud. Thank uou guys and I hope and pray that all of your successes are as great as your dreams and goals.”

Alford added that while he will “undoubtedly miss so many things about being a member of the Buckeye Football Family, I am excited about what the future holds as I embark on the next chapter of this journey.”

While he did not mentioned Michigan, the school also has not formally announced his hire. Contract language presumably must still be finalized to make that official.

Alford succeeds Mike Hart, who was not retained on Sherrone Moore’s first staff as Michigan head coach. Alford spent the past nine seasons with the Buckeyes.