Why Ryan Grubb turned down Alabama twice and why joining the Tide in 2025 was the perfect move
Ryan Grubb’s journey to becoming the offensive coordinator at Alabama in 2025 was not an easy or straightforward one. As one of the brightest minds in college football and a highly sought-after coach, Grubb was presented with opportunities to join top programs, including Alabama, on more than one occasion. Yet, despite the lure of coaching at one of the most prestigious football programs in the country, Grubb turned down Alabama twice before ultimately deciding that joining the Crimson Tide in 2025 was the perfect move. The reasons for his decisions, and the eventual decision to accept the role, offer valuable insights into Grubb’s philosophy, career aspirations, and what led to his pivotal decision to make the move to Tuscaloosa.
Early Success and Rising Reputation
Ryan Grubb’s rise in the coaching world started in the lower ranks before he gained prominence as the offensive coordinator at the University of Washington. Prior to his time with the Huskies, Grubb had success at a variety of coaching stops, including Fresno State, where he helped quarterback Jake Haener thrive, and at Eastern Washington, where his offensive units were known for their high-scoring offenses. However, it was at Washington where Grubb truly earned national recognition.
As Washington’s offensive coordinator from 2020 to 2024, Grubb helped develop one of the nation’s most dynamic offenses, with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leading the charge in 2023. Under Grubb’s tutelage, Penix shattered multiple school records and turned into one of the nation’s most prolific quarterbacks, leading Washington to a Pac-12 title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Grubb’s offensive system, known for its high-tempo passing attack and emphasis on quarterback development, became one of the most respected in college football.
It was this success that earned Grubb the attention of major programs, including Alabama, where the Crimson Tide were looking for a new offensive coordinator in 2023 after Bill O’Brien’s departure. Grubb, however, turned down the opportunity. The reasons for his decision at the time were multifaceted, and his reluctance to leave Washington would ultimately be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of his career.
Turning Down Alabama Twice: A Personal and Professional Decision
The first time Grubb turned down Alabama came in 2023 when he was initially offered the opportunity to join Nick Saban’s staff. At that time, Grubb was still in the midst of leading Washington’s offensive transformation, and he had a clear vision for his program’s future. Having seen the immense growth of the Washington offense and with Penix’s success at the helm, Grubb felt that he was on the precipice of something special at Washington. He also had deep ties to the region, with strong relationships with players and recruits, making the decision to leave particularly difficult.
More importantly, Grubb had a personal connection to Washington. His family had established roots in the Pacific Northwest, and his coaching staff at Washington had developed a strong camaraderie. At this point in his career, Grubb was looking to continue building his legacy at Washington, where he was regarded as an architect of the team’s rise to prominence. Moving to Alabama would have meant leaving behind everything he had worked to create.
Moreover, the decision to turn down Alabama also stemmed from a desire to keep his career trajectory on his own terms. Grubb was not interested in simply joining a top-tier program because it was a prestigious job; he wanted to make sure that the fit was right for him, both professionally and personally. As one of the brightest offensive minds in the game, Grubb knew he had the ability to shape his career and decide the right moment to make a move.
Grubb would turn down Alabama again in 2024 when he was again considered for the job after O’Brien’s second stint with the Tide came to an end. In 2024, he had established a solid rapport with the Washington football program, and his offensive system had propelled the team to greater heights. It would have been difficult to leave Washington at that point, especially when the program was coming off of one of its most successful seasons in recent memory.
Why Joining Alabama in 2025 Was the Perfect Move
While Grubb had turned down Alabama twice, the circumstances in 2025 aligned perfectly for him to make the decision to finally join Nick Saban’s staff. Grubb’s decision to take the Alabama job in 2025 came after careful consideration of several factors—professional, personal, and football-related—that all made sense for his next step in coaching.
1. The Challenge and Legacy of Coaching at Alabama
One of the most compelling reasons why Grubb ultimately chose to join Alabama was the opportunity to work under Nick Saban, one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. While Grubb had established his name at Washington, coaching under Saban would provide a new level of exposure and challenge. Alabama is known for its relentless pursuit of championships, and there is a certain prestige and allure that comes with being part of that culture. For Grubb, the chance to be a part of Alabama’s continued dynasty and to contribute to the development of the next great quarterback was too enticing to pass up.
Additionally, coaching at Alabama offered Grubb a chance to leave his mark on a program that has shaped college football for decades. It would be an opportunity to help build on Saban’s legacy, which is known for being built on both offensive and defensive excellence. Grubb’s offensive philosophy would now be at the heart of an Alabama program that is transitioning toward a more dynamic, modern offensive approach. The chance to help guide this transition while maintaining the strong defensive roots that have made Alabama a powerhouse was a compelling proposition for Grubb.
2. Developing Elite Quarterbacks in a Premier Program
A significant factor in Grubb’s decision to join Alabama was the chance to develop elite quarterbacks at a premier program. Alabama has always been a factory for NFL talent, producing top-tier quarterbacks and skill players who go on to have successful careers in the pros. Grubb’s expertise as a quarterback coach and offensive coordinator was well-known, and he had already proven his ability to develop top-tier quarterbacks at Washington.
In 2024, Alabama was entering a crucial phase, as the program had yet to fully identify its next star quarterback following the departure of Bryce Young. The opportunity to develop and shape a young quarterback, such as Ty Simpson or Jalen Milroe, into a future NFL talent was a huge motivating factor for Grubb. Alabama’s quarterback room was stacked with talent, and Grubb’s ability to unlock that talent would be central to Alabama’s offensive future. For Grubb, working with a potential future first-round pick and helping him evolve into a professional-caliber quarterback was a challenge that was too good to pass up.
3. Financial Security and Career Advancement
The financial stability and career advancement offered by Alabama in 2025 also made the decision an easy one for Grubb. The allure of joining one of the wealthiest athletic programs in college sports came with a significant increase in salary and support. While Grubb had done well for himself at Washington, the financial benefits of moving to Alabama provided additional career security. The expanded resources at Alabama also allowed Grubb to build an even stronger offensive staff and recruit top-tier talent from around the country, which would only elevate his chances of further success.
Moreover, the job at Alabama represented a career advancement opportunity for Grubb. Despite his successes at Washington, the opportunity to work with Nick Saban and have a direct hand in one of the most prestigious programs in college football was a leap forward in terms of career prestige and potential future opportunities. The Alabama job offered Grubb a platform that could not only elevate his status in the coaching community but also position him for even bigger roles in the future, should he decide to take the next step in his career.
4. Winning Championships
Ultimately, the primary goal for Grubb in making the move to Alabama was the chance to win championships. While he had found success at Washington, Grubb had yet to experience a national championship win. Alabama, with its perennial College Football Playoff appearances and recent national championships, represented the best chance for Grubb to win the biggest prize in college football. The opportunity to contribute to a program that has a track record of winning titles and competing at the highest level was likely a major deciding factor for Grubb. For a coach of his caliber, competing for championships every year was too important to overlook.
