Kyle Whittingham’s first big move as Michigan’s new head coach is now official - and it’s a significant one. According to reports, veteran running backs coach Tony Alford will be retained on staff, giving the Wolverines both continuity and credibility in a crucial area.
This was a move many expected, but now that it’s confirmed, it carries weight. Alford isn’t just any assistant - he’s widely regarded as one of the top running back coaches in college football.
His track record speaks for itself, both in terms of player development and recruiting. Just this past season, three different Michigan backs each posted a game with at least 100 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident.
Alford’s return is also significant for another reason: five-star running back Savion Hiter, the No. 8 overall prospect in the 2026 class. Alford played a major role in Hiter’s recruitment, and keeping him on staff all but solidifies Hiter’s commitment to Michigan. That’s a major win for Whittingham as he begins to build his version of the Wolverines.
There’s also a personal connection here. Alford’s late brother previously worked with Whittingham, and there’s mutual respect between the two - something that likely helped make this decision a smooth one.
From a scheme perspective, this also makes a lot of sense. Whittingham’s offensive philosophy should align well with Hiter’s skill set - a downhill runner with burst, vision, and the kind of physicality that thrives in a pro-style system. If Whittingham wants to establish a tough, run-first identity in Ann Arbor, he’s got the right man to lead that room.
But Alford is just the first piece of the puzzle.
More staff changes are coming, with both Michigan and Utah playing their bowl games on Wednesday. Once those games wrap up, expect the coaching carousel to kick into high gear.
Jason Hill, who’s led BYU’s defense to top-25 scoring finishes in each of the past two seasons, is expected to take over as Michigan’s defensive coordinator. That would be a big addition - Hill’s defenses have been disciplined, physical, and opportunistic, traits that would translate well in the Big Ten.
On the offensive side, Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck is reportedly Whittingham’s top target to run the show in Ann Arbor. While the timing isn’t ideal, with both programs still in postseason mode, the expectation is that once the dust settles, Whittingham will move quickly to lock in his staff ahead of the transfer portal window.
In other words, Tony Alford may be the first domino to fall, but he won’t be the last. And for Michigan fans, that’s a good thing - because if Whittingham’s early moves are any indication, he’s wasting no time putting his stamp on this program.