Nearly one year to the day that Ryan Grubb left Alabama football before ever coaching a game or even a practice to be the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, the long-time Kalen DeBoer assistant will join his former boss in Tuscaloosa. For real this time.
Last season's offensive coordinator, Nick Sheridan, will reportedly remain on staff in a different role. As will be Co-OC and WRs coach JaMarcus Shepherd. Save for Chris Kapilovic in place of Scott Huff as the OL coach, this is the coaching staff DeBoer expected to have when he accepted the Crimson Tide's head coaching job last January.
Grubb has followed DeBoer to stops at Sioux Falls, Eastern Michigan, Fresno State, Washington, and now Alabama. Grubb is one of the most respected offensive coordinators in the country and paired with DeBoer, he called the plays for the Washington offense that spearheaded their run to the national championship game a year ago.
DeBoer is pushing his chips to the middle and putting the band back together following Grubb's firing by the Seattle Seahawks after just one season. 2024 was disappointing for all involved with the Crimson Tide finishing just 9-4 overall and missing the College Football Playoff.
There's added pressure on DeBoer heading into year two. Now he has his top lieutenant back in the fold. There's no more excuses moving forward.
Sheridan seemed a bit in over his head as Alabama's play caller a year ago. He had only ever called plays before at Indiana and was expected to be the Crimson Tide's tight ends coach last season before DeBoer had to call a quick audible following Grubb's departure.
Alabama has plenty of offensive talent returning to Tuscaloosa, highlighted by rising sophomore phenom Ryan Williams at WR. Alabama will be breaking in a new QB with Jalen Milroe's departure to the NFL, but will now have a full arsenal of experienced and proven coaches to aid in the development of one of the three players vying for the starting job: Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, or freshman 5-star Keelon Russell.
2025 is a key year for DeBoer in Tuscaloosa. Improvement will be needed to build momentum for him and the Alabama program. Grubb is a huge addition to the coaching staff that should help the Crimson Tide take a step forward on offense next season.
If that can happen, teamed with what should be an outstanding defense helmed by Kane Wommack, Alabama has a chance to be one of the top contenders in the national title race.