A key question about Kyle Whittingham's Michigan coaching staff is answered

One of the key hires Kyle Whittingham needed to make as Michigan football head coach is finalized, says a new report.

Running backs coach Tony Alford, who is the primary recruiter of five-star running back signee Savion Hiter, who is ranked No. 8 overall in the 2026 class, will return, according to Josh Henschke of Maize and Blue Review.

It was expected that Whittingham would retain Alford, who is one of the best running back coaches in the business. Not only is he an elite recruiter, but he got tremendous production out of the running back room this season. Three different backs had a game with 100 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

If Henschke's sources are correct, Alford will be sticking on as the running backs coach. His late brother also worked for Whittingham, so there is a relationship there.

Many observers have felt that by keeping Alford, Michigan would hang onto Hiter. That seems likely, especially because Whittingham's offense should suit Hiter just fine.

There are some other moving parts as far as the staff goes. Utah and Michigan football each play their bowl game on Wednesday, so more clarity should come after that.

Jason Hill is expected to come over from BYU to be the defensive coordinator after coaching the Cougars two top-25 scoring defenses in each of the past two seasons.

Jason Beck, the Utah offense coordinator, is Whittingham's top target in terms of the offensive play-caller. The timing isn't great but once the seasons of both teams are over, the movement should happen quickly and key staff members should be in place by the time the portal opens.

Alford was just the first domino.