It is undoubtedly a tense scenario for Ohio State.
Longtime working backs coach Tony Alford was poached by OSU’s largest rival, Michigan. He is now serving in the identical capability for Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines, and his departure from Columbus will not go unnoticed.
Alford is taken into account to be among the finest working backs coaches and recruiters within the nation. He had a hand in creating gamers like Ezekiel Elliott and J.Ok. Dobbins for the Buckeyes.
Chatting with the media on Monday in regards to the lack of Alford, OSU head coach Ryan Day tried to downplay the importance a bit. He is already on the hunt to search out Alford’s substitute.
“Was made conscious final week and so now we’re into the method of figuring out replacements,” Day instructed the media (h/t On3). “Excited in regards to the group that we’ve already recognized and gonna be thorough within the course of. I believe the excellent news is we’re not in a scenario the place we have now to make a fast resolution primarily based on recruiting, or the portal or something like that.”
Day will clearly be the final word decision-maker, and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly goes to get a large day, but it surely’s value noting that the Buckeyes head coach desires to provide his present gamers a number of the enter on their subsequent working backs coach.
“I talked to the working backs, they’re nice, they’re truly gonna be part of the method. I’d like for part of the interview course of for the working backs to fulfill the candidates. Clearly, finally I’ll make the choice and Chip [Kelly] can be an enormous a part of it, however the enter of the working backs can be essential as properly,” Day mentioned.
Within the period of NIL offers and switch portal wackiness, it should not be shocking to listen to this technique from Day. Nonetheless, it is a departure from what most school soccer followers are used to.