Alabama Crimson Tide HC Kalen DeBoer plays into the rumors surrounding a potential reunion on his coaching staff in 2025

The football world is always buzzing with speculation, especially when it comes to elite programs like the Alabama Crimson Tide. In recent months, rumors have swirled around the potential coaching moves for the 2025 season, particularly surrounding the arrival of Kalen DeBoer, the head coach of Alabama. DeBoer, who took over as Alabama’s head coach in 2024 after a successful stint as head coach at Fresno State, has been making waves with his recruiting acumen, tactical flexibility, and now, with his role in stirring up rumors surrounding a potential reunion with former colleagues.

The coaching staff of the Alabama Crimson Tide has long been one of the most storied and scrutinized in college football. Nick Saban’s departure after the 2024 season left the program in a state of transition, and DeBoer’s appointment signified a shift in both philosophy and leadership style. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes are on the changes that DeBoer will implement and how they might impact the program’s success. Among these changes, one aspect has stood out — the talk of a reunion between DeBoer and some of his trusted former assistants, creating intrigue both among the fanbase and inside football circles.

The Rising Star of Kalen DeBoer

Kalen DeBoer’s rise in the coaching world has been nothing short of impressive. After starting his coaching career at smaller programs, DeBoer quickly gained recognition for his ability to build high-powered offenses and develop quarterbacks. He first garnered national attention as the offensive coordinator at Eastern Washington, where his explosive offensive schemes made waves in the FCS. His work there led to a move to Fresno State, where he became the head coach and revitalized the program, taking the Bulldogs to new heights. Under his leadership, Fresno State saw an increase in both wins and offensive production, establishing DeBoer as one of the top coaching minds in the country.

When Alabama made the bold decision to hire DeBoer following the legendary Nick Saban’s retirement, it was seen as a clear indication of the program’s desire to evolve. DeBoer’s offensive philosophy is a departure from Saban’s more traditional approach, focusing on a high-tempo, pass-heavy attack that still balances physicality and disciplined defense. This shift in philosophy has generated plenty of excitement among fans and analysts alike, but it also raised questions about the future of the Alabama coaching staff.

The Rumors of a Reunion

Ever since DeBoer’s hiring, rumors have been circulating that he might bring some of his former assistants from Fresno State onto his staff in Alabama. These rumors have sparked curiosity, particularly because DeBoer’s relationships with certain coaches have been crucial to his success. These assistants are not only highly respected within coaching circles but also have a proven track record of developing talent and implementing effective strategies.

One of the most frequently mentioned names in connection with DeBoer’s potential staff is Ryan Grubb, who served as Fresno State’s offensive coordinator during DeBoer’s tenure. Grubb’s reputation as an offensive mastermind and his familiarity with DeBoer’s system have made him a prime candidate for a role on the Alabama coaching staff. Grubb’s ability to develop quarterbacks, create explosive plays, and run an up-tempo offense makes him an ideal fit for the direction DeBoer wants to take Alabama’s offense. The idea of Grubb reuniting with DeBoer in Tuscaloosa has generated excitement among Crimson Tide supporters, who are eager to see an offense that can match the speed and intensity of the nation’s top teams.

In addition to Grubb, Jeff Tedford, who served as Fresno State’s head coach during DeBoer’s early years there, has been mentioned as a potential addition to Alabama’s staff. Tedford’s experience as an offensive coordinator in the NFL and college football gives him a wealth of knowledge that could be invaluable to DeBoer’s program. Tedford has also developed a reputation for grooming talented quarterbacks, something that DeBoer is known for as well. If Tedford were to join the staff, it would add an extra layer of credibility to Alabama’s offensive strategy, especially in terms of quarterback development.

While these two names have garnered the most attention, there have been other rumors suggesting that DeBoer may look to add former assistants from other stops in his career. Jim Mastro, who worked with DeBoer at Eastern Washington and later at Fresno State, could be another name to watch. Mastro has long been respected for his work with running backs and his ability to build effective running games, which could complement DeBoer’s pass-heavy offensive philosophy. His addition to the staff would give Alabama a well-rounded offensive approach, blending both the passing game and a solid running attack.

There has also been talk about Hank Bachmeier, a former quarterback under DeBoer at Boise State who is now a graduate assistant at Fresno State. Bachmeier has a deep understanding of DeBoer’s system and could be a valuable asset in terms of player development and helping quarterbacks adjust to the fast-paced nature of DeBoer’s offense. As Alabama’s quarterback room is likely to go through significant changes in 2025, having Bachmeier as a familiar voice could help smooth the transition for the players and the staff.

DeBoer’s Role in the Rumors

While these rumors have been gaining steam, it is important to note that DeBoer has been somewhat cryptic when it comes to discussing his potential staff changes. As a coach known for his focus on internal development and keeping things close to the vest, DeBoer has been careful not to directly confirm or deny the reports surrounding a reunion with his former assistants. Instead, he has chosen to downplay the speculation, preferring to focus on the task at hand — developing his team and ensuring that Alabama remains one of the premier programs in the country.

However, in recent interviews and public statements, DeBoer has given subtle hints that some familiar faces from his previous stops could indeed be joining him in Tuscaloosa. His praise for his former assistants, including Grubb and Tedford, has fueled the fire of speculation, with DeBoer often speaking highly of their coaching abilities and the strong relationships they share. While this does not constitute an outright admission of hiring plans, it does suggest that DeBoer is keeping an open mind about the possibility of reuniting with his trusted colleagues.

What This Means for Alabama

The potential addition of DeBoer’s former assistants would mark a significant shift in Alabama’s coaching staff, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Under Saban, the Crimson Tide was known for its methodical, defense-first approach, with a strong emphasis on the running game. However, DeBoer’s arrival signaled a change in that philosophy, with a greater focus on a high-octane offense that can keep pace with the fast-paced nature of modern college football.

Bringing in assistants who are familiar with DeBoer’s offensive system would be a natural step in this transition. The chemistry between DeBoer and his former colleagues is crucial for building continuity and ensuring that the program stays on track. By reuniting with trusted coaches who understand his vision, DeBoer can avoid the growing pains that often come with implementing a new offensive philosophy. Instead, he would be able to hit the ground running, bringing a well-oiled offensive machine to Tuscaloosa.

Furthermore, the addition of these coaches could have a significant impact on player development. With Grubb’s expertise in quarterback play and Tedford’s experience in developing quarterbacks at both the collegiate and professional levels, Alabama’s signal-callers could see significant improvements in their performance. The Crimson Tide has historically been a powerhouse, but with a revamped offensive scheme and a coaching staff that knows how to develop talent at a high level, Alabama could become even more dangerous in the coming seasons.