Alabama Hires Ryan Grubb as Offensive Coordinator, Reuniting Him with Kalen DeBoer
In a major coaching move, Alabama has officially hired Ryan Grubb as its new offensive coordinator, according to ESPN. This hire reunites Grubb with new Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer, as the two previously worked together at Washington, where they built one of the most explosive offenses in college football.
With Grubb now set to lead Alabama’s offense, the Crimson Tide are making a clear statement: the offensive identity under DeBoer will be fast, creative, and quarterback-friendly. After the departure of Nick Saban, Alabama is entering a new era, and Grubb will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the program.
Grubb has long been regarded as one of the best offensive minds in college football. He has worked alongside Kalen DeBoer for several years, first at Fresno State (2017-2021) and most recently at Washington (2022-2023), where they turned the Huskies into a national powerhouse.
- 2017-2021 (Fresno State, OC/OL Coach): Helped develop high-powered offenses under DeBoer.
- 2022-2023 (Washington, OC/QB Coach): Led one of the most dynamic passing attacks in the country.
- 2024 (Brief Stint at Seattle Seahawks): Grubb had initially taken a job as Seattle’s offensive coordinator before deciding to return to the college game.
His work at Washington was particularly impressive, as the Huskies led the nation in passing yards per game (346.2) in 2023 and helped quarterback Michael Penix Jr. become a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Now, he will look to bring that same success to Tuscaloosa.
Alabama’s offense will look significantly different under Ryan Grubb compared to previous years. Under Nick Saban, Alabama has run a variety of offensive systems, including power running (early Saban years), spread RPOs (Tua Tagovailoa era), and pro-style concepts (Bryce Young era).
With Grubb calling plays, expect a pass-heavy, aggressive attack that emphasizes spacing, route concepts, and explosive plays downfield.
- Pass-First Approach: Grubb’s offenses at Washington relied heavily on vertical passing concepts, which could signal a shift away from Alabama’s recent run-heavy schemes.
- Quarterback Development: Michael Penix Jr. thrived under Grubb, throwing for over 9,500 yards and 67 TDs in two seasons. This could be a major boost for Alabama’s current quarterbacks.
- Utilization of Wide Receivers: Washington’s system helped receivers like Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan put up big numbers. Alabama’s young WRs could benefit from similar schemes.
- Creative Play-Calling: Grubb is known for motion-heavy sets, deep crossing routes, and play-action concepts that confuse defenses.
With Alabama’s rich talent at quarterback and receiver, this system could bring high-scoring, electrifying football back to Bryant-Denny Stadium.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Alabama in 2024 is who will start at quarterback. Last season, Jalen Milroe took over as the full-time starter after a shaky start, finishing with 2,834 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 10 rushing touchdowns.
Milroe’s athleticism is elite, but his downfield passing and consistency in the pocket will be tested in Grubb’s system. If he struggles to adapt, other quarterbacks like Ty Simpson or five-star freshman Julian Sayin could push for the job.
Could there be a quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa? It’s possible, but no matter who starts, Grubb’s track record of developing quarterbacks is a massive advantage for Alabama’s offense.
One of the biggest reasons for Grubb’s success has been his strong partnership with Kalen DeBoer. The two have worked together for seven years, forming one of the best offensive duos in college football.
DeBoer trusts Grubb to run the offense with full control, meaning Alabama’s attack will resemble what Washington ran in 2023. Given that the Huskies finished No. 1 in total passing yards and No. 4 in scoring offense, Alabama fans have every reason to be excited.
Their reunion also means continuity for DeBoer as he transitions to Alabama. With Grubb handling the offense, DeBoer can focus on overseeing the entire program rather than micromanaging play-calling duties.
Alabama’s hiring of Ryan Grubb isn’t just about Xs and Os—it’s a statement to the rest of the SEC. With Georgia dominating the conference in recent years and teams like Texas, LSU, and Ole Miss on the rise, Alabama needed to make a bold move.
By bringing in one of the best offensive coordinators in the country, the Crimson Tide are sending a clear message:
The SEC is known for defensive powerhouses, but Grubb’s offensive system could give Alabama a modern, high-scoring identity that rivals the nation’s best attacks.
Expect Alabama to be a serious national title contender under this new regime.
Alabama’s hiring of Ryan Grubb as offensive coordinator is a game-changing move that reunites him with Kalen DeBoer and sets the stage for a high-powered offense in Tuscaloosa.
With his pass-heavy philosophy, quarterback expertise, and ability to develop playmakers, Grubb has the tools to reshape Alabama’s offensive identity.
The Nick Saban era may be over, but Alabama’s dominance is far from finished. With DeBoer and Grubb at the helm, the Crimson Tide are poised to remain one of the most feared programs in college football.
Bookmark this moment—because Alabama football is about to look a whole lot different.