Tony Alford’s name is making waves again-this time in connection with Miami’s running backs coach vacancy. And let’s just say, the reaction from Michigan fans has been... spirited.
It all started when On3 reporter EJ Holland, now covering the Miami beat after previously reporting on Michigan, floated Alford as a perfect fit for Mario Cristobal’s staff. With Matt Merritt heading to the NFL to join the Arizona Cardinals, the Hurricanes are on the hunt for a replacement, and the timing couldn’t be worse for a program that’s poised to feature one of the most loaded backfield rotations in the country. Returning talents like Fletcher, Lyle, Brown, and Pringle give Miami a strong foundation-and whoever steps into that RB coach role is walking into a room full of potential.
Alford, known as both an elite recruiter and a top-tier developer of talent, checks a lot of boxes for a team like Miami. His ties to Florida are well-established, and he’s no stranger to high-level recruiting battles.
In fact, he once recruited Fletcher during his time at Ohio State, before the running back ultimately chose Coral Gables. Alford also worked alongside Merritt in Columbus, so the familiarity is there.
But while the fit might make sense on paper, Michigan fans weren’t having it.
Holland’s post suggesting Cristobal should try to poach Alford from Michigan lit up social media, and the replies came fast and furious. Some fans took personal shots, others questioned Holland’s motives, and more than a few reminded him-loudly-that Michigan isn’t exactly a program you walk away from lightly.
Alford’s stock is sky-high right now. He just landed Savion Hiter, the No. 1 running back in the 2026 class, beating out heavyweights like Tennessee, Ohio State, and Georgia.
That’s no small feat. He also secured a commitment from three-star Jonathan Brown out of Ohio, rounding out a strong haul.
Even more impressive? He kept those commitments intact through Michigan’s coaching change from Sherrone Moore to Kyle Whittingham-a transition that could’ve easily shaken up the recruiting board.
Rivals named Alford one of the top 10 recruiters in the country this cycle, and Michigan closed with the No. 11 class nationally. That kind of success doesn’t go unnoticed, and it’s exactly why Cristobal-or any coach with a vacancy-would have Alford on their radar.
But here’s the thing: Michigan knows what it has in Alford. And unless someone’s ready to back up the Brinks truck, he’s not going anywhere. The Wolverines are building something under Whittingham, and Alford is a major part of that foundation.
So while Miami’s search continues, the buzz around Alford is a reminder of just how valuable elite position coaches can be-not just for what they do on the field, but for the recruiting battles they win and the culture they help build. Whether or not Cristobal makes a serious run at Alford, one thing’s clear: Michigan fans aren’t ready to entertain the idea of losing him.
Not now. Not after what he’s done.