Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford, who is set to enter his eighth season in Columbus, is getting a promotion. Alford is now Ohio State’s run game coordinator, on top of his responsibilities as running backs coach and as the assistant head coach for offense.
“Tony has continually mentored and produced tough, reliable and productive running backs for the Buckeyes,” head coach Ryan Day said. “He has a terrific understanding of how to get his student-athletes to perform at a high rate of competitiveness, and I’m really pleased to promote him to run game coordinator.”
A former player at Colorado State and assistant under Brian Kelly, Alford surprised some by sticking put at Ohio State this offseason despite an opening in the head coaching spot at his alma mater and interest from his former boss to join him at LSU.
Now, he’ll be in for a pay raise, along with much of the Ohio State offensive staff, which has seen several title changes prior to this move.
Wide receivers coach Brian Hartline was promoted to passing game coordinator in early January, and UCLA offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Justin Frye joined the Ohio State staff as its offensive line coach and associate head coach for offense, which is different from the assistant head coach for offense. Tight ends coach Kevin Wilson remains in his role as offensive coordinator, while Day retains playcalling duties.
Alford has produced six 1,000-yard rushers during his time at Ohio State, including Ezekiel Elliott (2015), Mike Weber (2016), J.K. Dobbins (2017, 2018 and 2019) and TreVeyon Henderson (2021). The shortened 2020 season is his only year without a 1,000-yard rusher.
