Running backs coach Tony Alford, who came on staff in 2024, will be retained by Michigan football going into 2026.
ORLANDO, FL — Michigan football coach Kyle Whittingham said at his introductory press conference on Sunday, Dec. 28, that he anticipated keeping two or three coaches from the Wolverines’ current staff in the fold.
The first one is now set.
Running backs coach Tony Alford will be retained by the Wolverines going into 2026, a person with knowledge of the decision but not permitted to speak on it publicly confirmed to the Free Press.
Alford joined U-M’s staff in March 2024 after a lengthy stint at rival Ohio State; his unit has been one of the most productive for the Wolverines the past two years.
In his first season, he coached Kalel Mullings to a career year of 948 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. In 2025, he went one better, propelling both Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall into the top echelon of Big Ten running backs.
Haynes, a transfer from Alabama, was sensational when healthy. He ran 121 times for 857 yards (7.1 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns, all of which were career highs, in just seven games.
When Haynes went down, Marshall stepped up. The redshirt freshman also had a career year, running 150 times for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns in 11 games.
Alford is also an ace on the recruiting trail, landing five-star Virginia star Savion Hiter, the No. 1 running back in the nation in the class of 2026.
Whittingham has ties to the Alford family – Alford’s brother, Aaron, was on staff under Whittingham for four seasons (2007-10) at Utah before his death in 2013.
Michigan’s backfield is uncertain for 2026 – Haynes could declare for the NFL draft, Marshall, a redshirt sophomore, has yet to confirm his future plans, and Hiter is waiting to see who his position coach would be – but this should position the Wolverines well to hold onto at least two of them.
Tony Garcia is the Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football retaining RB coach Tony Alford on new staff
Category: General Sports
