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January 19, 2009
Weis Finds Haywood’s Replacement
by
DANSILVER
Writer
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Notre Dame’s 2009 coaching staff is close to being finalized as one of the final two remaining assistant coaching openings has been filled. Notre Dame has hired Tony Alford to be the running backs coach, the University announced today in a press release.
“I’m very happy to add Tony Alford to our staff,” Charlie Weis said in a statement released by the University. “In talking with several sources at the college and NFL levels for suggestions the first name that came up was Tony’s. He came highly recommended because of his tremendous reputation as both a running backs coach and as a recruiter and is a great addition to our program.
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Alford will assume the role coaching the running backs left vacant by Haywood's departure for Miami (OH).
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“For the past 22 years, Tony has either played running back or coached running backs and the experience and knowledge gained over that time will definitely benefit our current and future ball carriers.
“We look forward to a smooth transition and welcome Tony and his family to the Notre Dame family.”
Alford will assume the role of running backs coach at Notre Dame and will replace Michael Haywood in that capacity, but he will not be the offensive coordinator like his predecessor.
Alford is a 1992 graduate of Colorado State University and has been a running backs coach since 1995, when he began his career at Mt. Union College.
After his one year at Mt. Union, he moved on to Kent State in 1996. From there, he went to Iowa State for the first of two stints with the Cyclones. He was there from 1997-2000 before a one-year stop at the University of Washington in 2001. From 2002-2006, he stayed as the Cyclones running backs coach until leaving to join Steve Kragthorpe’s staff at Louisville in 2007.
Although Alford has always been in the role of running backs coach, he has likely been such a relatively hot commodity in the college coaching ranks due to his recruiting acumen.
Alford is said to be a very hard worker and a good “closer,” which is so important in the recruiting business. Not only is he a good recruiter generally, but he has made a name for himself recruiting in talent-rich Texas. Further, Louisville thought enough of his recruiting aptitude that they sent him to sell Louisville in Florida and California, as well.
If Alford’s accomplishments at Iowa State are any indicator, Irish fans will be very pleased with their new coach. First, Alford is said to have a fiery demeanor on the sidelines. Second, in eight seasons at ISU, Alford’s backs took care of the football to the tune of just 13 fumbles lost in his eight seasons. They also produced a 1,000 yard rusher in every season he was there.
During his first stint at ISU, the Cyclones improved from the 103rd rushing attack in the nation to the 13th ranked squad. He will face a similar challenge in resurrecting the anemic Irish running game.
“Notre Dame is the epitome of college football,” Alford said. “To join a place with the tradition and history of Notre Dame is very exciting and I’m grateful to Coach Weis for extending me this tremendous opportunity.
“I have several people in my life that I greatly respect and use as sounding boards for important life decisions such as changing jobs. When this position opened, I counseled with those individuals and they were as enthusiastic about this opportunity as I am. I am very flattered that Coach Weis considered me for this post and my family and I are thrilled to join the Notre Dame family.”
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