Crimson Tide’s Offensive Woes Linked to Kalen DeBoer’s Failure to Retain Key Washington Assistant
In recent years, Alabama football has become synonymous with dominance, especially under head coach Nick Saban’s leadership. With a history of producing some of the most talented offensive units in college football, the Crimson Tide’s offensive struggles in the 2023 season have left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. A significant factor in this offensive decline appears to be rooted in the failure of Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, to retain a key assistant coach who played a pivotal role in Washington’s offensive success.
Kalen DeBoer, who took over as Alabama’s offensive coordinator ahead of the 2023 season, was expected to usher in a new era of high-powered offense for the Crimson Tide. DeBoer had built a reputation as a talented offensive mind, having served as the head coach of Washington and producing one of the most potent offenses in the country. With his track record of success, many expected DeBoer to carry over that expertise and lead Alabama’s offense to new heights. However, the team’s offensive performance has been underwhelming, and many point to a specific mistake made by DeBoer during his tenure: the failure to retain a key assistant coach.
The assistant in question is Ryan Grubb, the offensive coordinator at Washington during DeBoer’s tenure. Grubb was instrumental in developing Washington’s high-flying offense, particularly the relationship he built with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Grubb’s ability to create a dynamic and explosive offense was a driving force behind Washington’s success in 2022 and beyond. Under Grubb’s leadership, Washington’s offense became one of the best in the country, with Penix Jr. emerging as a Heisman Trophy contender and the Huskies becoming legitimate College Football Playoff contenders.
When DeBoer left Washington to take the Alabama job, many expected him to bring Grubb along as part of his coaching staff. However, DeBoer was unsuccessful in convincing Grubb to make the move. Grubb opted to stay at Washington, where he continued to work with Penix and the Huskies’ potent offense, which remained a national powerhouse. Meanwhile, Alabama’s offense struggled to find its rhythm, with the Crimson Tide failing to consistently move the ball and finish drives in crucial moments.
The absence of Grubb’s influence has been felt keenly. Alabama’s offense has been marred by inconsistency in the passing game, a lack of explosiveness, and a noticeable drop in quarterback development. Under DeBoer, Alabama’s offense has failed to fully unlock the potential of its quarterback, whether it be Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson. Both quarterbacks have shown flashes of brilliance but have lacked the consistency and polish expected from an Alabama signal-caller. This has led to frustrations within the fanbase and the media, as Alabama’s offensive woes have become a major talking point in the 2023 season.
Many believe that had DeBoer secured Grubb’s services, the story might have been different. Grubb’s offensive philosophy, which focuses on quick-strike passing and spreading the field to create mismatches, would have complemented DeBoer’s system perfectly. Instead, Alabama has struggled to maintain balance and offensive efficiency, often relying too heavily on their defense to keep them in games.
While it is impossible to say definitively what would have happened had Grubb joined Alabama, the failure to retain him has certainly had a lasting impact on the Crimson Tide’s offense. Grubb’s presence could have helped ease the transition for DeBoer and allowed Alabama to build on the foundation of success established under previous coordinators. Without him, Alabama has found itself in an unfamiliar position—one where offensive struggles are beginning to outshine its historically dominant defense.
DeBoer’s inability to keep Grubb on staff has cast a shadow over his tenure at Alabama thus far. As the Crimson Tide continue to battle for supremacy in the SEC, the offensive inconsistencies will likely remain a focal point. The question now becomes whether DeBoer can adjust and make the necessary changes to get Alabama’s offense back on track. If not, the failure to retain a key assistant coach might go down as one of the critical missteps in Alabama’s pursuit of another championship.
In the ever-evolving world of college football, every decision counts, and Kalen DeBoer’s failure to retain Ryan Grubb may ultimately prove to be one of the most significant decisions in Alabama’s offensive struggles.