Running Backs Coach Hot Board 2.0

Late on Wednesday morning, news broke that Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford was leaving the program after nine seasons to take a position on the Michigan coaching staff.

While the news was unexpected, there is no question that Ohio State will immediately go to work to fill the position with practice ramping back up next week.

We’ve already made some changes to our initial Hot Board, so here is a second update as things continue to evolve.

Name	Quick Bio
Robert Gillespie	The current running backs coach at Alabama, Gillespie is one of the nation’s most respected position coaches and has a great track record in Tuscaloosa.
Scottie Graham	A former Ohio State captain who played several years in the NFL, Graham has plenty of qualifications for the job and is currently serving as the running backs coach at the University of Washington.
Matt Merritt	Merritt played at Division III Capital in Central Ohio and has a master’s degree from Ohio State. He was a graduate assistant at Ohio State and helped with the running backs from 2013-15. Merritt is currently entering his first season as the running backs at Miami (FL).
Pepe Pearson	With Tennessee State head coach and former Buckeye running back Eddie George saying no, what about former Tennessee State running backs coach and fellow former Ohio State standout Pepe Pearson? Pearson is probably a step or two away from a position at this level at this point, currently serving as running backs coach at Tarleton State.
Chad Scott	Currently serving as running backs coach/offensive coordinator at West Virginia. Would Scott take a demotion in title but perhaps a raise in pay and job stability? Scott is a Florida native who recruits that area for the Mountaineers.
Duce Staley	Probably one of the least likely candidates on this list because Staley has been an NFL guy his entire career, but the current Browns running backs coach worked with Ryan Day and Chip Kelly in Philadelphia and is well respected around the NFL.
Cadillac Williams	Williams is an Auburn legend and had a successful NFL career. He returned to coach at his alma mater but recently left and is now the Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach. Williams had a strong eye for talent during his time coaching at Auburn.

As Tim May of the Tim May Podcast reported on Wednesday, Eddie George quickly withdrew his name from the search.

Sources have indicated to BuckeyeHuddle.com on Thursday that the Buckeyes are pursuing Gillespie and that, with Eddie George now out of the picture, that Gillespie may have first right of refusal for the position.