Ryan Grubb is back alongside Kalen DeBoer, this time with the Alabama Crimson Tide, as the team’s offensive coordinator. The duo previously worked together at Washington, helping the Huskies reach the College Football Playoff National Championship. Now, they aim to replicate their past success in Tuscaloosa.
Ryan Grubb Reunites With Kalen DeBoer at Alabama
Alabama officially announced that Grubb had joined DeBoer’s Crimson Tide staff as offensive coordinator. Grubb previously served as the OC and quarterbacks coach at Washington from 2022–23.
“Kalen DeBoer is very high on Ryan Grubb’s hiring as offensive coordinator,” DeBoer said in a statement.
“Ryan Grubb has been someone that I have trusted for a long time, and adding him to our staff only improves the quality of coaches we have here at Alabama,” the coach added. “He is one of the best offensive minds in the country, and I can’t wait to see what he brings to our organization moving forward.”
Grubb played a key role in Washington’s 2023 campaign, which ended just one win short of a national championship. Under DeBoer’s leadership and Grubb’s offensive strategies, Washington made a strong push in the CFP before losing to Michigan in the title game.
Their offensive system featured quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and showcased one of the nation’s most explosive passing attacks.
When DeBoer left Washington to take over Alabama’s program, it was widely expected that Grubb would follow. However, Grubb initially took a different path, joining the Seattle Seahawks as their offensive coordinator.
His time in Seattle was brief, as he was fired after the Seahawks finished with a 10-7 record but missed the playoffs. This paved the way for his return to the college ranks and reunion with DeBoer.
Ryan Grubb’s Coaching Journey Before Alabama
Grubb and DeBoer have a long history together. Their coaching relationship dates back to their time at Fresno State, where they built a successful offense.
Grubb served as Fresno State’s run game coordinator and offensive line coach from 2017-18 before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2019. DeBoer, meanwhile, was Fresno State’s offensive coordinator from 2017-18 before leaving for Indiana, then later returning as head coach from 2020-21.
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With Grubb leading the offense and DeBoer overseeing the program, Alabama enters the 2024 season with high expectations. The departure of Nick Saban marked a new era for the Crimson Tide, and the DeBoer-Grubb combination will be under intense scrutiny.
Alabama fans are eager to see how the team adapts to the new leadership and whether the offense can maintain its dominance. The SEC remains one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and Alabama will need to execute at a high level to contend for a national title.
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