One of the most valuable assistants on the staff of Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham is Tony Alford. That's clear based on how Whittingham acted to retain him.
There weren't many holdovers from the previous staff. There were just two to start, before Lou Esposito left for the NFL.
Alford is now the lone retainee for Whittingham. He was essential in the recruitment of five-star running back Savion Hiter. Alford has also done a stellar job of developing running backs in his charge, such as Justice Haynes, Jordan Marshall, and Bryson Kuzdal.
However, after Miami lost its running backs coach, there were rumors, sort of encouraged by a former Michigan reporter that Alford could be a candidate for the job.
Miami is targeting #Broncos offensive assistant Favian Upshaw for its running backs coach opening, sources tell me and @GabyUrrutia247.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 26, 2026
Has coached in Denver the last three years, working with the Broncos’ running back group. Before Denver, was an assistant QB coach at Tulane. pic.twitter.com/1jhMoc0dDK
Yet, based on some news that was reported on Thursday, the Hurricanes are heading in another direction, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.
Great news for Michigan football with Tony Alford
Losing Alford would have been a huge blow to the Wolverines. It didn't seem like there was a realistic threat that Miami would steal away Alford, who is known as one of the best running back coaches in the country.
Whether it comes to recruiting or developing running backs, Alford is as good as it gets. Hiter is expected to make an immediate impact. It would have been a disaster if Alford left, especially with it being so late in the hiring cycle.
Now, it's a lock that he will be back, Michigan fans don't have to worry, not that they were, and Alford can simply focus on coaching what could be the best running back room in college football.