Ryan Grubb has nearly been Alabama football’s offensive coordinator multiple times. He interviewed with Nick Saban, and had accepted the job under Kalen DeBoer last season before defecting to the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.
After Grubb, who coached under DeBoer at multiple stops throughout his career, including Washington, was fired by the Seahawks, the speculation began. On Tuesday while attending Senior Bowl practice, DeBoer was asked directly: Has he considered adding Grubb to his staff in Tuscaloosa?
DeBoer didn’t say no.
“We go way back,” DeBoer said. “Great friend of mine. Think the world of him as a football coach, obviously as a person too. And so, I know he’s working through his process, just kind of after what last season brought, so just gotta see what he does there and (I’m) here for him whenever he needs me. That’s always going to be the case.”
When Grubb left, DeBoer promoted then-tight ends coach Nick Sheridan to the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach role. The Crimson Tide offense had its bright spots in 2024, but struggled to find consistency and faltered in key moments.
Grubb and DeBoer led Washington to a national championship game appearance after the 2023 season. The Huskies boasted a stellar offense, led by now-Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Alabama has a huge offseason ahead of it entering DeBoer’s second season after going 9-4 with a ReliaQuest Bowl loss in 2024. UA will have a quarterback competition before 2025, with Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and true freshman Keelon Russell all potentially vying to replace Jalen Milroe, who entered the NFL Draft.
The Crimson Tide will play the 2025 A-Day spring game on April 12. Alabama will open DeBoer’s second season in Tallahassee on Aug. 30, when it faces Florida State.