Over the last week, there has been rising anxiety that Alabama Football could lose new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb before the two have even gotten to know each other.
Grubb was “expected” to accompany Coach Kalen DeBoer across the nation to join the Alabama coaching staff, according to an announcement on January 14th. Less than three weeks later, he is the subject of rumours linking him to the vacant offensive coordinator position with the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL.
Grubb is familiar with the Seattle area from his time as OC for the Washington Huskies, so his selection for the post is not surprising.
If he leaves, where will DeBoer and Alabama go offensively?
Sure, they’d be in a bind given the timing of the news, but the position’s appeal may provide the Tide with more options than many anticipate.
It goes without saying that Alabama is one of the most popular and recognizable companies in sports, and the success that Bama has had under Coach Nick Saban, as well as historically, makes it a highly sought-after position.
Furthermore, Kalen DeBoer’s track record of generating dynamic offences is a clear advantage, as is the presence of proven skill position coaches. Top-tier coaches like running backs coach Robert Gillespie and wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard would make the offensive coordinator’s job easier and more fun.
Perhaps most importantly, Alabama’s offensive talent is truly impressive. Jalen Milroe possesses the most outstanding physical tools of any quarterback in college football, and all he needs is the right hands to shape him into a generational star. Ty Simpson, Dylan Lonergan, and Austin Mack are all excellent quarterbacks in their own right. I believe that all three might start at the Power Five level and achieve success as early as this fall.
Junior Jam Miller and sophomore Justice Haynes lead the running back room. Alabama’s new receiving corps survived some huge losses, but restocked with 5-star Ryan Williams and Washington transfer Germie Bernard. Despite the departures from the NFL Draft and transfer portal, there is anticipation that this group will outperform the 2023 group.
Finally, Alabama’s offensive line looks very good. It is working to strengthen its tackle positions, but the inside line could be the best in the country. The return of guards Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts, combined with the signing of former Washington centre Parker Brailsford, could help the Crimson Tide become a ground force.
Coaching this unit would be an excellent opportunity for any exceptional offensive coordinator who is confident in his talents. Coach DeBoer appears to have made sound decisions and hired competent people at every turn, so Bama supporters must trust him if the OC position becomes available again.
To restate, if Ryan Grubb opted to play in the NFL, Alabama would suffer a significant loss. Not only is he an excellent offensive coordinator, but he also has strong working ties with Coach DeBoer and several other members of the staff.
He has also started to form relationships with the existing roster and several of Alabama’s recruiting prospects. Having to replace Grubb so fast would be bad for chemistry and optics, and the timing would be uncomfortable coming into spring practice.
If Alabama Football supporters are searching for reasons to be positive, national media analysts have reported that Grubb was recruiting for the Tide as recently as last week, and he has not even interviewed for the Seahawks position.
Don’t dismiss him too fast, and rest certain that Kalen DeBoer is more than capable of finding a suitable replacement if necessary.
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