Making a wingman hire for Kalen DeBoer Ryan Grubb will follow Nick Saban’s lead in reviving Alabama football.
In the realm of college football coaching, the decisions that shape the future of a program are often made in the shadows of each team’s Xs and Os. The success of a program hinges not only on the head coach but also on the leadership and expertise that comes from the staff around them. As Kalen DeBoer takes the reins at the University of Washington, one of his key hires is that of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. While DeBoer has shown a commitment to developing a high-powered offense, the hiring of Grubb reflects a strategy that draws on lessons from one of the most successful college coaches of all time, Nick Saban.
The rise of Kalen DeBoer as a head coach in college football has been a fast one, building a reputation through his offensive acumen, strategic mind, and ability to develop quarterbacks. Before his tenure at Washington, DeBoer had experience as a head coach at Fresno State, where he turned a struggling program into a legitimate contender. This success was largely due to his offense’s versatility and high level of execution, which made the Fresno State Bulldogs one of the more dangerous teams in the Mountain West.
In his move to Washington, DeBoer took over a program that was previously stuck in a rut. The Huskies had strong defenses but lacked consistency on offense. Enter Ryan Grubb, the offensive coordinator who would become DeBoer’s most important hire. Grubb, who had previously worked under DeBoer at Fresno State, had developed a reputation as a brilliant offensive mind in his own right. As the offensive coordinator, Grubb helped transform Fresno State’s offense into one of the most potent in the country.
But why is Grubb’s hire so significant in the larger context of college football, particularly as it relates to Nick Saban, one of the most successful college football coaches in history? The answer lies in a broader trend that Saban has set in motion, particularly when it comes to hiring offensive coordinators who can develop elite offenses while aligning with the head coach’s defensive-minded principles.
Nick Saban’s Influence on Offensive Coaching
Nick Saban’s legacy in college football is built on his ability to adapt and evolve, particularly in his approach to offensive football. For years, Alabama football was known for its smash-mouth, defensive-first identity. But in the 2010s, as offenses around the country began to evolve, so too did Saban. One of the most transformative moves he made was hiring Lane Kiffin as his offensive coordinator in 2014.
Kiffin was a young, dynamic offensive mind known for his creativity and innovative playcalling. His hiring was viewed by many as a gamble — a defensive-minded coach like Saban bringing in a pass-happy, up-tempo offensive guru. Yet, the results were immediate and spectacular. Under Kiffin’s leadership, Alabama’s offense took on a more modern, explosive identity. The team went on to win several national championships during this era, and the offensive success was a key factor in maintaining Alabama’s status as a dynasty.
What Saban realized, and what Grubb’s hire embodies, is that having a complementary, well-rounded staff is crucial to success. It’s not about having a defensive coach who neglects offensive development or an offensive coach who doesn’t understand the importance of defense. Rather, it’s about creating a balance — a head coach who can guide the vision, and assistants who can execute the strategy in their respective areas.
The Case for Ryan Grubb as the Wingman
For Kalen DeBoer, Ryan Grubb represents a strategic decision in shaping Washington’s future. While DeBoer has demonstrated the ability to develop quarterbacks and execute offensive schemes, his hire of Grubb brings someone with specific expertise in running a top-tier offense. Like Nick Saban with Kiffin, DeBoer recognized the importance of having a coordinator who can elevate the team’s offensive output and complement the broader vision for the program.
Grubb’s system, much like DeBoer’s, is built on balance. It’s an offense that doesn’t rely on one-dimensional schemes but can pivot when necessary. This adaptability is crucial in the ever-changing world of college football, where teams must be able to adjust quickly to the evolving landscape of defenses and offensive strategies. Under Grubb, Fresno State developed a reputation for its ability to move the ball in multiple ways, whether through the air or on the ground, and in doing so, they became one of the most potent offenses in the nation.
One key to Grubb’s success is his ability to develop quarterbacks. Fresno State’s quarterback play under Grubb was stellar, and much of the offense’s success can be attributed to his work with the signal-callers. Grubb is known for his detailed, systematic approach to coaching quarterbacks, ensuring they understand not only the Xs and Os but also the mental aspect of playing the position. His ability to elevate quarterbacks is something that will serve Washington well, particularly given the Huskies’ growing reputation as a program that develops talent at the quarterback position.
Another advantage Grubb brings is his commitment to a high-paced, up-tempo offense. This style of play puts immense pressure on opposing defenses and creates opportunities for explosive plays. In the Pac-12, where teams like Oregon, USC, and UCLA have embraced high-scoring offenses, Washington’s ability to keep pace will be essential to competing at the highest level.
How Grubb Complements DeBoer’s Vision
Kalen DeBoer has always been known for his ability to develop offenses that are both efficient and explosive. His time at Fresno State, where he served as head coach before taking over at Washington, was marked by a philosophy of balance and adaptability. This is something Grubb embodies perfectly, making him a natural fit as DeBoer’s offensive coordinator.
DeBoer’s hiring of Grubb aligns with his broader vision for Washington’s program. The Huskies need an offense that can score quickly, sustain drives, and put pressure on opponents in a variety of ways. While DeBoer’s expertise lies in quarterback development and offensive scheming, Grubb brings a fresh perspective and a track record of success. The two share a similar philosophy, which makes them an ideal pairing to resurrect Washington’s offensive identity.
One of the key elements in DeBoer’s success at Fresno State was his ability to recruit and develop quarterbacks. Grubb’s history as a quarterback developer will only enhance this. With Washington’s stable of talented quarterbacks, Grubb’s guidance could turn the Huskies’ passing game into one of the most dangerous in the country. DeBoer and Grubb are both focused on building an offense that not only works well in the Pac-12 but can also compete nationally.
Looking Ahead: The Washington Huskies Under DeBoer and Grubb
As Kalen DeBoer continues to build the Washington Huskies into a perennial contender, his hire of Ryan Grubb will play a significant role in the program’s success. Much like Nick Saban’s strategic hires on the offensive side of the ball, DeBoer’s decision to bring in Grubb reflects a broader understanding of how the pieces fit together.
Washington’s offense has the potential to become one of the best in the Pac-12, with a proven offensive coordinator at the helm and a head coach who understands the importance of balance and versatility. Grubb’s ability to adapt and his commitment to high-level quarterback development will be crucial in transforming Washington’s offensive identity, while DeBoer’s leadership will provide the overall vision.
If DeBoer and Grubb can recreate the success they had at Fresno State, Washington could be on the brink of a resurgence. The combination of a high-powered offense, strong defense, and solid recruiting could make the Huskies a force in college football for years to come. In this regard, Ryan Grubb is more than just a wingman for Kalen DeBoer. He is a key figure in the transformation of Washington football, a hire that reflects the lessons learned from some of the best minds in the game.
As Nick Saban reshaped Alabama by recognizing the need for dynamic offensive leadership, Kalen DeBoer has followed suit by hiring Ryan Grubb. Together, they will look to lead Washington into the future, creating an offense that is both explosive and efficient, while also staying true to the principles of balance and adaptability.
