Greg McElroy responds to Ryan Grubb’s exit from Alabama.
Kalen DeBoer brought some of his former staff to Tuscaloosa when he joined Alabama, with the most notable addition being offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. However, Grubb has opted to leave Alabama and take on the role of offensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks.
With Grubb no longer set to handle play-calling duties for the Crimson Tide, Greg McElroy acknowledges the significant loss this decision represents. Speaking on ‘Always College Football’ on Monday, McElroy notes a prevailing negative sentiment among those closely following and supporting Alabama.
“In talking to a lot of folks that follow Alabama, support Alabama, this felt like a devastating blow. It did,” remarked McElroy.
McElroy’s concern stems from two key factors. Firstly, he values Grubb as a top-notch coordinator, even considering him a potential head coaching candidate. McElroy had initially thought Grubb might have been a strong contender for the head coaching position at Washington before they ultimately chose Jedd Fisch.
Secondly, McElroy emphasizes the integral role Grubb played under DeBoer. Acquiring them as a package deal was seen as a massive win for Alabama, but the impact of their separation remains uncertain.
“When he was not given the job at Washington, I thought Alabama was playing with house money. You don’t just get a guy that’s 104-12, but you get his right-hand man? You get Ryan Grubb, who has turned down many overtures in college football?” said McElroy. “When Ryan Grubb was going to be in Tuscaloosa? I was like, ‘Oh my goodness!’ I already thought that Kalen DeBoer was a home run, but now you get Ryan Grubb? A guy that could be a head coach at many other places, but he has decided to stay loyal to his best friend in Kalen DeBoer? That was massive.”
Now, with Grubb heading to the Seahawks, Alabama faces the task of finding a new offensive coordinator to fill the void he left behind. Despite the setback, McElroy expresses confidence in Alabama’s ability to navigate the hiring process and ensure the offensive coordinator position remains in capable hands.
