Ryan Grubb has nearly been Alabama football’s offensive coordinator multiple times. He interviewed with Nick Saban, and had accepted the job under Kalen DeBoer last season before defecting to the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer finished his first season as retired coach Nick Saban's successor with a 9-4 record after losing in the ReliaQuest Bowl to the Michigan Wolverines.

Kalen DeBoer’s first season as Alabama football’s head coach didn’t meet expectations. There’s plenty of places where a nine-win season and a bowl appearance would be cause for celebration under a new coach, but Tuscaloosa isn’t one of them, especially after Nick Saban’s tenure.

On Jan. 24, 2024, Saraland five-star wide receiver Ryan William s re-committed to Alabama football, initially ending his commitment after Nick Saban's retirement. One year later, Williams, per DeBoer, has developed into one of the leaders of the Crimson Tide wide receiver room before he's reached his 18th birthday.

McElroy ultimately gave DeBoer a B- for his Year 1 performance. He specifically mentioned Alabama’s bowl game loss to Michigan as a reason for the lower grade:

Alabama football did not look the same in 2024 without Nick Saban at head coach. The Crimson Tide hired former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer to take over for Saban after his shocking retirement in January 2024.

Alabama head football coach Kalen DeBoer may get creative by adding Ryan Grubb to his Crimson Tide coaching staff.