On Thursday, the fired Alabama coordinator was hired for another college football position.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the University of Alabama officially announced the hiring of Ryan Grubb as their new offensive coordinator. This appointment comes after Grubb’s departure from the Seattle Seahawks, where he served as the offensive coordinator during the 2024 NFL season. His tenure with the Seahawks was brief, culminating in his dismissal on January 6, 2025, following a season where the team failed to make the playoffs.
Ryan Grubb’s coaching journey is both extensive and varied. He began his career in 2003 at Kingsley–Pierson High School in Iowa, serving as the offensive coordinator. His early promise was evident when he was named the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 1A Assistant Coach of the Year in his second season. Following this, Grubb transitioned to the collegiate level, taking on roles at South Dakota State as a running backs coach in 2005 and a wide receivers coach in 2006. His trajectory continued upward when he joined the University of Sioux Falls in 2007 under head coach Kalen DeBoer. At Sioux Falls, Grubb initially served as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator before being promoted to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2009. During his tenure, the team secured two NAIA national championships, underscoring his offensive acumen.
In 2014, Grubb reunited with DeBoer at Eastern Michigan University, taking on the role of offensive line coach. Their partnership proved fruitful, leading them both to Fresno State in 2017. At Fresno State, Grubb was instrumental in revitalizing the team’s offense, eventually earning the titles of offensive coordinator and associate head coach. His success at Fresno State paved the way for a move to the University of Washington in December 2021, where he once again collaborated with DeBoer. At Washington, Grubb’s offensive strategies garnered national attention, with the team leading in multiple offensive categories during the 2022 season.
Grubb’s transition to the NFL came in February 2024 when he was appointed as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. However, the 2024 season presented challenges, and the Seahawks’ inability to secure a playoff spot led to his dismissal in January 2025. Despite this setback, Grubb’s reputation as a dynamic offensive strategist remained intact, leading to his recruitment by the University of Alabama.
Alabama’s head coach, Kalen DeBoer, expressed enthusiasm about Grubb’s addition to the coaching staff, stating, “Ryan brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of offensive innovation. His familiarity with our coaching philosophy and his ability to develop players will be invaluable as we continue to build upon our program’s success.” citeturn0search11
Grubb’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Alabama football. The program is undergoing significant transitions, with the departure of former head coach Nick Saban in January 2024 and the subsequent hiring of Kalen DeBoer. The 2024 season marked the beginning of a new era, with the team adapting to changes in leadership and strategy. The addition of Grubb is anticipated to further bolster the team’s offensive capabilities, especially given his history of implementing high-powered offenses.
The coaching carousel in college football is a dynamic and often unpredictable process. Grubb’s journey—from high school coaching ranks to prominent collegiate programs, a stint in the NFL, and now to a premier role at Alabama—highlights the fluid nature of coaching careers. His resilience and adaptability have been evident throughout his career, attributes that will serve him well as he takes on the challenges and expectations associated with leading Alabama’s offense.
In the broader context of Alabama’s coaching staff, Grubb’s hiring follows the departure of co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Colin Hitschler, who was dismissed in January 2025 after one season with the team. Hitschler’s exit was part of a series of coaching changes aimed at revitalizing the program and maintaining its competitive edge. citeturn0search7
As the Crimson Tide prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will be on integrating Grubb’s offensive philosophies and maximizing the potential of the roster. His track record suggests a propensity for developing high-octane offenses, a tradition that aligns with Alabama’s storied history of football excellence.
In conclusion, Ryan Grubb’s appointment as Alabama’s offensive coordinator represents a strategic move aimed at leveraging his extensive experience and innovative approach to offense. As the program navigates this new chapter, the collaboration between DeBoer and Grubb holds promise for continued success on the national stage.
For a more in-depth analysis of Ryan Grubb’s hiring and its implications for Alabama football, you might find the following video insightful:
videoWhy Alabama Crimson Tide Hiring Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb is a GAME CHANGERturn0search2
