Ann Arbor, Michigan - The Ohio State-Michigan football rivalry just got even more intense with an extra dose of fuel on the fire!

In a rare move for college football, former Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford is set to join the rival Michigan.

Alford, who has been with the Buckeyes since 2015, coached star running backs such as J.K. Dobbins, former No. 1 NFL Draft pick Ezekiel Elliott, Trey Sermon, and current leading rusher TreVeyon Henderson.

His decision to move to Michigan sparked widespread debate across the college football community.

Some speculated that recent changes within the Buckeyes' coaching staff may have hinted at Alford's departure.

Before Tony Alford's departure from Ohio State shocked the college football world, Ohio State football reporter Chase Brown observed Ryan Day spending a lot of time with the running backs during spring practice last week.

Fans initially didn't think much of it, but in hindsight, it might have been a sign of Alford's impending departure.

Another sign that went unnoticed until recently, highlighted by JBook of 247Sports, was that all the Buckeye coaches – except for Alford – received contract extensions last month. This suggested a potential shake-up in the coaching staff!

Fans also noted that Alford's recruiting efforts were inconsistent which led to a decline in the running back room's performance.

While Day may have been considering releasing Alford, the idea of him heading to rival Michigan seemed unlikely.

With Michigan's running backs coach Mike Hart leaving, however, Alford's move to Michigan now appears to be a strategic business decision – and a suitable replacement.

Thanks to Alford's latest coaching move, the Ohio State-Michigan game this fall is shaping up to be even more intense!