In case you hadn't heard, coaches changing sides from side of a rivalry to another has been the hot topic of conversation in college athletics this week. But Jim Schlossnagle was not the first to take a lateral move to his employer's arch rival, and he wasn't even the first to do so in 2024.
Tony Alford's move from coaching running backs at Ohio State to doing the same at Michigan was not part of some sleeper cell scheme to at last reveal his true colors, nor was it about exacting revenge on Ryan Day and/or the Buckeyes at large. Really, it was simple coaching math.
"This is such a transient job we have. We all know that going into it. Nine years is like an eternity in the coaching profession," Alford told the John McCallister Report, via Eleven Warriors. "I was very fortunate for those nine years (in Columbus), but I just think it was time. ... I think it was time for them and Ryan Day and Ohio State, and it was time for Tony Alford. I don't think it was one party saying, 'Screw you.' It was never any of that. I think both parties – I think we both knew it. It was time."
Alford's departure inadvertently sparked controversy within the running backs coaching fraternity. His replacement, Carlos Locklyn, called running backs "the worst coached position in football" in his introductory press conference, which generated outrage among other running backs coaches. And, of course, Ohio State fans were none too happy to see a longtime aide join their chief enemy.
But while his departure sparked anger all around him, Alford found tranquility upon crossing enemy lines.
"I'm as happy as I've been in a long time, as far as in my coaching profession," Alford said. "I'm in a good place. I'm in a good place. And Sherrone Moore and that staff has been nothing but open arms and kind and great to me and really good people. I mean, unbelievable people. ... I'm grateful for them embracing me and bringing me in from the rival, if you will, in the way that they have. I think it was time for everyone involved. I know it was time for everyone involved – not think, I know. And here we are."
And here he is. On Nov. 30, he'll be back in Columbus for the first time, trying to remain happy by extending Michigan's winning streak over Ohio State to four.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.