Ryan Grubb’s offensive creativity should help Alabama evolve, but execution matters. Steve Sarkisian was Alabama’s best OC in the last decade, blending scheme and talent perfectly.

Alabama football is entering a new era with Ryan Grubb as its offensive coordinator, following the departure of longtime head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. Grubb, who gained prominence for his work at Washington under Kalen DeBoer, is known for his innovative play-calling, aggressive passing schemes, and ability to maximize quarterback talent. With Grubb now tasked with revitalizing Alabama’s offense, the question arises: Can he elevate the Crimson Tide back to an elite level? Additionally, when analyzing Alabama’s offensive coordinators over the past decade, it’s hard to argue against Steve Sarkisian being the best, given his success and impact on the program.

What Ryan Grubb Brings to Alabama

Grubb arrives in Tuscaloosa with a reputation as one of the top offensive minds in college football. During his tenure at Washington, he transformed the Huskies’ offense into one of the most prolific units in the nation. His ability to develop quarterbacks was evident with Michael Penix Jr., who thrived under Grubb’s guidance, finishing as a Heisman finalist and leading Washington to the national championship game.

His offensive philosophy is built on explosive passing concepts, well-timed play-action calls, and an emphasis on stretching defenses vertically and horizontally. Unlike the more conservative approach of Tommy Rees, Grubb’s system thrives on putting the ball in the hands of playmakers and attacking defensive weaknesses relentlessly. At Alabama, he inherits a roster brimming with talent, including quarterback Jalen Milroe, a dynamic dual-threat player who showed flashes of brilliance in 2023.

If Grubb can tailor his scheme to fit Milroe’s skill set—while also utilizing Alabama’s depth at running back and wide receiver—he has the potential to turn the Tide’s offense into a juggernaut once again. His ability to adjust to personnel will be crucial, as Alabama’s identity has shifted from a dominant rushing attack in the early 2010s to a more balanced, quarterback-driven offense in recent years.

Key Challenges for Grubb in Year One

While Grubb’s offensive creativity is well-documented, there are several challenges he must navigate in his first year at Alabama:

1. Quarterback Development: Jalen Milroe’s growth as a passer will be the key to Alabama’s offensive ceiling in 2024. While Milroe showed improvement last season, his accuracy and decision-making under pressure still need refinement. Grubb must create a system that maximizes Milroe’s strengths while helping him progress as a passer.
2. Offensive Line Performance: Alabama’s offensive line had its struggles in 2023, particularly in pass protection. Grubb’s system relies on quarterbacks having time to scan the field and make precise throws. If the offensive line does not improve, it could limit the effectiveness of his scheme.
3. Balancing the Run and Pass Game: While Grubb’s system leans heavily on the passing game, Alabama has traditionally thrived when maintaining balance. With running backs like Justice Haynes and Richard Young in the mix, incorporating a strong ground attack will be important to keep defenses honest.
4. Adjusting to the SEC: The transition from the Pac-12 to the SEC comes with an increase in defensive talent, speed, and physicality. Grubb must prove that his offensive philosophy can be effective against the top-tier defenses Alabama will face on a weekly basis.

The Best Offensive Coordinator at Alabama in the Last Decade

Over the past 10 years, Alabama has seen multiple offensive coordinators come and go, each bringing unique elements to the team. However, Steve Sarkisian stands out as the most effective and impactful offensive coordinator during this period.

Steve Sarkisian’s Offensive Brilliance

Sarkisian served as Alabama’s offensive coordinator in two different stints: first in an interim capacity during the 2016 national championship game and then as the full-time OC from 2019 to 2020. His offensive system was a perfect blend of creativity, adaptability, and execution, leading Alabama to one of its most dominant offensive seasons in history.

During the 2020 season, Alabama’s offense was virtually unstoppable, averaging 48.5 points per game while showcasing one of the most efficient passing attacks in college football history. Sarkisian’s ability to design plays that got the ball into the hands of his best playmakers—such as Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, running back Najee Harris, and quarterback Mac Jones—was unparalleled. His innovative use of pre-snap motion, quick-hitting concepts, and ability to create favorable matchups set Alabama apart from every other team in the country.

Alabama went undefeated in 2020, winning the national championship while boasting a record-setting offense. Mac Jones threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, while DeVonta Smith became the first wide receiver since 1991 to win the Heisman Trophy. Sarkisian’s offensive scheming played a massive role in that success, as he consistently outwitted defensive coordinators and found ways to exploit weaknesses.

How Sarkisian Compares to Other Alabama OCs

While Alabama has had several talented offensive coordinators in the last decade, none have matched the level of dominance Sarkisian achieved. Here’s how he compares to other notable OCs:

• Lane Kiffin (2014-2016): Kiffin revolutionized Alabama’s offense, moving it away from a traditional ground-and-pound attack to a more modern, spread-out passing game. His work with quarterbacks like Blake Sims and Jalen Hurts was impressive, but his offenses never reached the efficiency of Sarkisian’s 2020 unit.
• Mike Locksley (2018): Locksley led Alabama’s offense in 2018, helping Tua Tagovailoa thrive. However, the Crimson Tide fell short in the national championship against Clemson, and the offense struggled against elite defenses.
• Bill O’Brien (2021-2022): O’Brien’s offenses were productive but lacked the same level of explosiveness and creativity that Sarkisian brought to the table.

Sarkisian’s ability to create a seamless offensive system that maximized Alabama’s talent, adapted to different quarterbacks, and dominated elite defenses makes him the clear choice as Alabama’s best OC in the last decade.

 What’s Next for Alabama Under Ryan Grubb?

The hiring of Ryan Grubb signals Alabama’s commitment to offensive innovation under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. Grubb’s track record suggests that he has the potential to take Alabama’s offense to new heights, but his success will depend on quarterback development, offensive line improvement, and adaptability to SEC competition.

While it remains to be seen if Grubb can replicate the success of Steve Sarkisian, his offensive philosophy aligns with the modern direction of college football. If he can elevate Jalen Milroe’s passing ability and unlock Alabama’s full offensive potential, the Crimson Tide could once again find themselves competing for national championships in the coming years.

Ultimately, Sarkisian set the gold standard for offensive coordinators at Alabama, but Grubb now has the opportunity to carve out his own legacy in Tuscaloosa.