Is Ryan Grubb Wanted to Join Alabama Football’s Coaching Staff?

As the 2025 season approaches, Alabama football continues to dominate discussions across the college football landscape. With the continued success of head coach Nick Saban and the development of his staff, Alabama remains one of the most coveted programs in the nation. The Crimson Tide’s elite reputation in recruiting and player development is a major reason why top-tier assistant coaches are regularly sought after, and one name that has been frequently mentioned in the coaching rumor mill is Ryan Grubb.

Ryan Grubb, the offensive coordinator for the University of Washington, has gained widespread recognition for his innovative offensive schemes and success with the Huskies. Over the last few years, Grubb has helped develop a high-powered offense that has turned heads in the Pac-12, particularly in 2023, when Washington’s offense was among the best in the nation. With his success at Washington, it’s no surprise that Alabama has reportedly expressed interest in bringing Grubb aboard for their own coaching staff. So, the question arises: Is Ryan Grubb wanted to join Alabama’s football coaching staff?

In this article, we will explore the potential of Ryan Grubb making a move to Alabama, the factors that could influence such a decision, and what impact it could have on the Crimson Tide’s offense going forward. We’ll delve into Grubb’s coaching philosophy, the state of Alabama’s offense, and how his presence in Tuscaloosa could shape the program in the coming years.

Who is Ryan Grubb? A Look at His Career

Before discussing whether Ryan Grubb would be interested in joining Alabama, it’s important to understand who he is as a coach and what he brings to the table. Grubb began his coaching career in the early 2000s, working his way up through the ranks as an assistant coach at several programs. His first major breakthrough came when he served as the offensive coordinator at Eastern Michigan University, where he led a high-powered offense that helped to elevate the program.

His success at Eastern Michigan ultimately landed him a job as the offensive coordinator at Fresno State in 2017, where Grubb’s offensive units were consistently among the best in the Mountain West Conference. At Fresno State, he worked closely with quarterbacks and was known for developing dynamic offenses that could score quickly and efficiently. His offensive philosophy focused on a balanced attack, mixing the run and pass to keep defenses on their heels. His success at Fresno State garnered the attention of bigger programs, and in 2022, he was hired as Washington’s offensive coordinator under head coach Kalen DeBoer.

At Washington, Grubb quickly turned the offense into one of the most prolific in the country. Working with quarterback Michael Penix Jr., Grubb helped lead the Huskies to one of the most explosive passing attacks in the nation. In 2023, Washington’s offense ranked among the top 10 in the nation, with Penix throwing for over 4,500 yards and 40 touchdowns. Grubb’s ability to adapt his schemes to his personnel and create mismatches for opposing defenses made him one of the hottest names in college football.

Grubb’s success at Washington solidified his reputation as one of the top offensive minds in the game today. His ability to design innovative passing attacks, work with quarterbacks, and develop explosive offenses has made him an attractive candidate for programs looking to bolster their coaching staffs.

The State of Alabama’s Offensive Coaching Staff

Alabama’s offense in recent years has seen some significant transitions. The program, once known for its bruising, run-heavy attack, has evolved into a more balanced offensive unit under Nick Saban’s guidance. Alabama’s offensive system has incorporated more passing, taking advantage of the quarterback position to stretch the field and create big plays.

With offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien leaving Alabama after the 2023 season, many speculated that Nick Saban would look to bring in a new offensive mind to help keep Alabama’s offense at the cutting edge. While Saban has been loyal to his coaches, he is also known for his willingness to adapt and bring in fresh ideas. The departure of O’Brien opened up the possibility of a new offensive coordinator, and with the success of Ryan Grubb in Washington, it’s easy to see why Alabama might be interested in his services.

The Crimson Tide’s offense in 2024 showed some promise but was also marred by inconsistency at the quarterback position. With Jalen Milroe returning as the likely starting quarterback, there is a desire to find someone who can unlock Milroe’s full potential, particularly in the passing game. Alabama’s offense is rich in talent, with a strong offensive line, a talented running back corps, and a stable of wide receivers. What Alabama has lacked in recent years is a consistent, dynamic passing game that can take advantage of the talent at quarterback and wide receiver.

Ryan Grubb, with his expertise in developing quarterbacks and running a high-powered passing offense, could be just what Alabama needs to take its offense to the next level. His track record with quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr., who has one of the best arms in the nation, suggests that he could do wonders with Alabama’s personnel.

Why Would Ryan Grubb Consider Alabama?

There are several reasons why Ryan Grubb might consider making the move to Alabama if given the opportunity.

1. The Alabama Legacy: Alabama is one of the most storied programs in college football history, and working for a program with such a prestigious legacy would be a major career boost for any coach. Nick Saban’s status as the greatest college football coach of all time would be an attractive factor for any up-and-coming offensive coordinator. Joining Alabama would offer Grubb the chance to be a part of one of the most successful coaching staffs in the sport.
2. Resources and Support: Alabama is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, robust recruiting network, and endless resources. The program’s commitment to excellence and the infrastructure in place to develop players is second to none. For a coach like Grubb, having access to these resources could be highly appealing, as it would allow him to focus on coaching and player development without worrying about the logistical challenges that come with running a program.
3. Opportunity to Develop Quarterbacks: One of Grubb’s biggest strengths is his ability to work with quarterbacks and develop them into high-level players. Alabama has a long history of producing elite quarterbacks, and with a talented signal-caller like Jalen Milroe, Grubb could have the chance to elevate his game even further. The chance to work with a quarterback who has NFL potential and the talent around him to succeed would be a major draw.
4. National Championship Contention: Alabama has consistently been a national championship contender under Nick Saban, and the chance to be part of a team that competes for titles year in and year out would be enticing for any coach. Grubb would have the opportunity to be part of a championship-caliber team, which would not only provide career success but also help boost his personal reputation.
5. Exposure and Career Growth: Coaching at a high-profile program like Alabama would give Ryan Grubb unparalleled exposure. Success at Alabama would catapult his career, potentially opening the door for future head coaching opportunities at other major programs. Given that many top coordinators at Alabama have gone on to secure head coaching jobs, Grubb would likely see this as a valuable step in his career progression.

What Would Ryan Grubb’s Arrival Mean for Alabama’s Offense?

If Ryan Grubb were to join Alabama’s coaching staff, his impact on the offense could be immediate and transformative. Grubb’s ability to design explosive passing attacks and work with quarterbacks would make him an excellent fit for Alabama’s current offensive needs.

1. Quarterback Development: Jalen Milroe, Alabama’s likely starting quarterback for 2025, has shown flashes of brilliance but also struggles with consistency, particularly in the passing game. Grubb’s ability to refine Milroe’s mechanics, improve his decision-making, and unlock his potential as a dual-threat quarterback would be critical to Alabama’s success. Grubb’s coaching could make Milroe one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the SEC, capable of leading Alabama to another national title.
2. Dynamic Passing Game: One of Grubb’s biggest strengths is his ability to create a balanced offense that features both the run game and the passing attack. He would likely emphasize creating mismatches on the field by utilizing Alabama’s talented wide receivers and running backs in various ways. A dynamic passing game that takes advantage of Alabama’s skill position players would add a new dimension to the Crimson Tide’s offense, which has been somewhat inconsistent in recent seasons.
3. Play-Calling and Scheme: Grubb’s innovative approach to offensive play-calling would likely introduce a fresh energy to Alabama’s offense. His ability to incorporate tempo and change things up based on the defense would keep opposing coordinators on their toes. His offensive philosophy would likely emphasize adaptability, using different looks and schemes to exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses.
4. Recruiting Edge: Bringing in a coach with Grubb’s reputation would also help Alabama on the recruiting trail. Grubb’s success at Washington and his ability to develop top-tier quarterbacks would make him a highly attractive figure for recruits, particularly those looking to play in an up-tempo, pass-heavy system. With his expertise in developing quarterbacks and offensive playmakers, Grubb would help bolster Alabama’s recruiting efforts for years to come.