Alford comes to the Derby City after playing a major role in solidifying Iowa State's reputation as one of the most successful programs nationally rushing the football. Under Alford's guidance, Iowa State was one of only three NCAA Division I schools to have produced a 1,000-yard rusher annually between 1995 and 2001.
After one year at Washington, Alford returned to ISU as assistant head coach in 2002. The 2005 EV1.net Houston Bowl was Alford's fourth postseason appearance with the Cyclones.
Under Alford, tailback Stevie Hicks became the third Iowa State rusher to eclipse the 1,000-yard barrier since 1997 with 1,062 yards in 2004.
On special teams, Alford turned the Cyclone kickoff return unit into the Big 12's best. ISU led the league and ranked 20th nationally, averaging 23.2 yards per return in 2004. The Cyclones were ranked 17th nationally last season (23.4). It was a dramatic improvement from ranking 86th nationally and 10th in the Big 12 in 2003.
Alford was on the Cyclones' 2000 Insight.com Bowl championship staff that claimed the fi rst bowl victory in ISU history en route to a 9-3 record. First-team all-Big 12 tailback Ennis Haywood ranked 10th nationally in rushing and led the league with 1,237 yards. When Haywood was sidelined by injury at Oklahoma State, Michael Wagner stepped in and rushed for a freshman school-record 170 yards and two touchdowns.
I don't know anything about this guy other than what was released, but this sounds like a great hire as far as recruiting and developing our talented young runners goes.
Glad to have on board Coach Alford.