Why Sherrone Moore hired Tony Alford, Erin Dunston away from Ohio State

INDIANAPOLIS — Much like how Ryan Day hired away two Michigan football coaches in his first year with Ohio State, new Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore returned the favor as he takes the helm of the maize and blue.

It surprised many when Moore first took running backs coach Tony Alford away from the Buckeyes, and months later, he stole away rising star Erin Dunston, who was crucial to Ohio State’s operation behind the scenes.

On the third day of Big Ten media days, Moore finally took the dais to represent Michigan, and he shared why he hired both away from Columbus.

“Talk about two outstanding individuals, people,” Moore said. “Well-rounded, well-educated, both trusted people. I have known Tony for a very long time and had a tremendous amount of respect for him and what he’s done in the business.

“And Erin not as much. But heard tremendous things about her. Just want great people in our program. Great mentors of young men that are going to lead our players to a great place. So that was really the backbone behind that. And excited to (watch them work in) the future.”

While fans will get a good idea of Alford’s contribution right away, depending on the production of the running backs, it may be less clear with Dunston since she works behind the scenes.