Alabama Football: Is Nick Saban prepared to break the bank for new OC?

Pace has quickened in the Alabama Football search for a new Offensive Coordinator. Now in an NCAA Dead Period for recruiting, Nick Saban has an open schedule to hire new coaches.

On Sunday, attention among Crimson Tide fans had shifted away from fretting over Nick Saban possibly promoting Todd Grantham to the open DC role. New names started being mentioned as the Tide’s next OC and at the same time, the prospect of some fan favorites for OC appeared to fade. There is no longer much chatter among Alabama football insiders that Jeff Lebby or Kliff Kingsbury will join the Crimson Tide.

What some might call, a lesser group of potential OC candidates, are being discussed more. On Monday, the most chatter has been about Washington’s OC and QB coach, Ryan Grubb. Reportedly both Nick Saban and Grubb have serious interest.

Grubb has a respectable resume from his 2022 season with the Washington Huskies and his five seasons at Fresno State, the last three as Offensive Coordinator. Otherwise, by Alabama Football standards, his resume is a little light.

What Washington’s offense did last season makes Grubb a solid potential hire. The Huskies had the top passing offense in the FBS, averaging almost 370 passing yards per game. Washington was No. 2 in Total Offense at more than 515 yards per game. Admittedly, those impressive stats were not achieved against any top defenses. The highest-rated defense Washington faced last season was No. 26, Oregon State. The Huskies put up 398 yards against the Beavers.

Take away doubts about Grubb’s resume being built in unimpressive coaching positions and he might be a home run hire for the Crimson Tide.

Out west, some call Grubb a coaching wizard. Washington’s offensive players love him. Praising his coach, Rome Odunze said,

"Grubb is very on point with what he wants. He’s very strict with the details. He’s just so hungry, and he’s driven, and so consistent it’s almost crazy. Grubb’s been the same guy since I’ve met him and consistently wants to get better, and he’s still not satisfied. I’m just happy to be a part of his offense."

Alabama Football Assistant Coach Bank

If Grubb does become the guy Nick Saban wants, there may be a problem. Washington does not want to lose Grubb. In November, Grubb was given a raise starting at $1.45M and growing to $1.67M in three seasons. A month later the Huskies upped the ante again, awarding Grubb with a raise to $2M in each of the next three seasons.

What would Alabama Football have to pay to land Grubb? Something north of $2M. He would become Nick Saban’s highest-paid assistant ever. Is there a number that theoretically breaks the Alabama Football bank? The Tide’s limit just might be whatever it takes.

UPDATE: Per 247Sports, Grubb is meeting with Alabama

On the salary issue, it might be worthwhile to remember that while Seattle is a great city, the cost of living is far higher than in Tuscaloosa.