When Matt Merritt left Miami for a job with the Arizona Cardinals, it left Mario Cristobal in a tough spot. The Hurricanes’ running backs room is loaded with talent-Mark Fletcher, Chris Johnson Jr., TreVonte’ Citizen, and Jaylan Knighton are all back in the fold.
That’s a group with the potential to be one of the most dynamic backfield rotations in the country. But now they’re without a position coach, and with spring ball fast approaching, Cristobal’s got to move quickly to find the right replacement.
Enter Tony Alford.
EJ Holland, now covering Miami after previously reporting on Michigan, made waves Thursday when he floated Alford as a logical fit for the Hurricanes’ open running backs coach position. He pointed to Alford’s elite recruiting track record, his deep ties to the state of Florida, and his ability to develop top-tier talent.
On paper, it makes sense. Alford has the résumé: years of success at Ohio State, a reputation as one of the best recruiters in the country, and familiarity with the South Florida recruiting scene.
But suggesting that Cristobal should try to poach Alford from Michigan? That didn’t sit well with Wolverines fans.
The replies to Holland’s post came in fast and fiery. Some fans went after Holland for what they saw as baiting his old readership, accusing him of trying to stir the pot for engagement.
Others got personal, questioning his motives and professionalism. One fan even suggested, “You realize it would be a lot easier on you if you just left without posting stuff like this, correct?”
Another jabbed at Cristobal, saying, “Mario Cristobal would be the best O Line Analyst in the country with Michigan’s OL,” taking a swipe at both the Hurricanes’ head coach and the idea that he could lure a top assistant away from Ann Arbor.
There were also more measured responses. One fan wrote, “Respectfully, Michigan is a better job.
Why would he leave?” That question hits at the heart of the situation.
Because right now, Alford has it good in Ann Arbor. Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham made it a priority to retain him after taking over from Sherrone Moore, and it’s easy to see why.
Alford just landed Savion Hiter, the No. 1 running back in the 2026 class, beating out Tennessee, Ohio State, and Georgia for the five-star back from Virginia. He also secured a commitment from three-star Jonathan Brown out of Ohio.
That kind of recruiting haul helped Michigan lock down the No. 11 class in the country, and earned Alford recognition as one of the top 10 recruiters in the cycle.
He’s not just a recruiter, either. Alford has a long track record of developing backs who produce at the college level and go on to the NFL. His reputation is well-earned, and Michigan isn’t about to let him walk without a serious fight-or a serious financial offer.
There’s also some history here. Alford actually recruited Mark Fletcher when he was at Ohio State, before Fletcher ultimately chose Miami.
He also coached alongside Matt Merritt in Columbus. So there are connections that could, in theory, make a move to Miami feel familiar.
But Michigan fans aren’t buying it. They see Alford as a foundational piece of the Wolverines’ future and don’t appreciate any public flirtation with other programs.
As of now, there’s no indication Alford is leaving Ann Arbor. Unless someone drops a truckload of cash-and Michigan’s not in the mood to let that happen-he’s staying put. Cristobal’s search for a new running backs coach will have to continue elsewhere.