In a surprising move, Tony Alford, the longtime running back coach for Ohio State, has announced his departure from the Buckeyes. The news came suddenly on Wednesday morning, catching several OSU players off guard and leaving them with questions about the future of the coaching staff.

Alford, who spent nine seasons at Ohio State, is now heading north to their archrival team. This unexpected move certainly raises concerns about the timing, as the Buckeyes are currently in the midst of their spring practice sessions. However, head coach Ryan Day is determined to quickly pivot and find a replacement for Alford.

The departure of Alford not only creates immediate challenges but also raises questions about the long-term implications. For now, the focus remains on the immediate impact of finding a quality replacement. Ohio State is likely feeling a sense of urgency to secure a new running backs coach as soon as possible.

Fortunately, the Buckeyes have talented players in their running back position. TreVeyon Henderson and Dallan Hayden, who have both been with the team for multiple seasons, are familiar with OSU's offensive strategies. Additionally, Quinshon Judkins, a recent recruit who has demonstrated his abilities by running for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons in the SEC, adds depth to the running back position. This assures that the team is in good hands for the upcoming 2024 season.

While the immediate position coaching duties should be adequately covered by interim coaching arrangements, the larger concern lies in the impact of Alford's departure on the recruiting trail. Before his exit, Ohio State was in a promising position with several highly sought-after running back prospects, both locally and nationally. The potential recruits will now seek clarity about the coaching situation.

The Buckeyes have a number of visits scheduled this spring, further emphasizing the need for a quick hire. Jordon Davison, a four-star 2025 California prospect, has plans to visit Columbus with his family from March 27 to April 1. Bo Jackson, a four-star Ohio running back in the same class, is scheduled to return to campus on March 30. Additionally, Savion Hiter, a five-star running back who ranks as the top running back in the 2026 cycle, will also visit Ohio State on March 30.

It would be ideal for Ohio State to hire a new running backs coach within the next two weeks to align with these visits. However, even if the search takes longer, the university has the resources and reputation to attract a highly qualified candidate. Building relationships with prospective recruits may require starting from scratch, unless the hiring decision involves someone who has previously established connections with OSU's targets.

Tony Alford's departure presents an advantage for Michigan as he is likely to leverage his knowledge of Ohio State's 2025 recruiting targets to potentially sway them towards the Wolverines. In-state prospect Marquise Davis, who had already shown interest in Michigan, may be among the recruits Michigan has an edge with following Alford's departure. However, Ohio State's strong brand and track record in player development have always been attractive assets, capable of quickly making up lost ground with a solid coaching hire.

Ultimately, while Alford's exit may cause some initial disruption, Ohio State remains well-positioned to overcome the challenges. The search for a new running backs coach continues, and the Buckeyes are confident in their ability to find a suitable replacement who can not only maintain the team's success on the field but also excel in recruiting top talent.