As the offseason unfolds, Kalen DeBoer finds himself in a crucial position as the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. With a season that ended with a 9-4 record and a near miss for the College Football Playoffs, there are numerous questions that need addressing, particularly regarding his coaching staff.
Kalen DeBoer reflects on first season
Wrapping up his inaugural season, DeBoer faced a roller coaster of challenges. ESPN analyst Greg McElroy recently assigned him a B-minus grade, citing the inconsistency that plagued the team throughout the year. “There were some challenges, some adjustments, some roster tinkering that were very difficult,” McElroy noted. “You’d watch him and say, ‘Wow, that’s the way it’s supposed to look,’ and then you’d think, ‘My goodness, what was that?’”
Alabama’s offense, despite having a wealth of talent, struggled significantly. The Tide ranked outside the Top 5 in the SEC for three of the four major offensive metrics, finishing seventh in total offense (410.2 yards per game), eighth in passing offense (236.4), and sixth in rushing offense (173.85). This inconsistency left fans and analysts alike questioning what the future holds for the program.
Ryan Grubb and Alabama’s offensive struggles
One name that has surfaced in conversations about improving Alabama’s offense is former Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Grubb had a brief stint with the Tide after initially agreeing to join DeBoer as the offensive coordinator. However, he left for the Seattle Seahawks shortly after, only to be let go following a disappointing season.
Since Grubb’s departure from Seattle on January 6, speculation has run rampant among Alabama fans about the possibility of him reuniting with DeBoer. Could he be the answer to Alabama’s offensive woes? After all, Grubb’s Washington offense was a powerhouse, boasting the nation’s second-best passing attack in 2023, averaging a staggering 343.7 yards per game and ranking third in the Pac-12 in total offense (462.1 yards) and scoring (36.0 points per game).
DeBoer’s connection with Grubb
During a media session at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, DeBoer was asked about the potential of Grubb joining his staff. While he didn’t provide a direct answer, he expressed deep respect for Grubb, saying, “We go way back. Great friend of mine. I think the world of him as a football coach and obviously as a person too.” DeBoer emphasized that he is there for Grubb as he navigates his next steps after a challenging season.
It’s clear that DeBoer values Grubb not just as a colleague but as a friend. “I know he is working through his process just after what last season brought,” DeBoer added. This personal connection could play a significant role in whether Grubb returns to Alabama to help revitalize the offense.
The path forward for Alabama
As DeBoer prepares for his second season, he faces the challenge of addressing the inconsistencies that plagued the Tide last year. The coaching staff’s dynamics will be crucial in shaping the team’s future. With the potential addition of Grubb, Alabama could see a shift in offensive strategy that might leverage the talent on the roster more effectively.
The upcoming offseason will be pivotal for DeBoer and his staff. With a mix of returning players and new recruits, the Tide has the potential to bounce back and reclaim their spot among the elite in college football. But can they iron out the inconsistencies that have held them back? That remains to be seen.
Fans anticipate changes
Alabama fans are eager to see how the coaching staff evolves and what changes might be implemented to enhance the team’s performance. The lingering questions about Grubb’s potential return only add to the intrigue. Will he reunite with DeBoer and bring his successful offensive strategies to Alabama? Or will the Tide look elsewhere to bolster their coaching ranks?
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on DeBoer and his decision-making process. The stakes are high, and the expectations for Alabama football remain as lofty as ever. With the right adjustments and a solid coaching staff, the Crimson Tide could very well be on the path to redemption in the coming season.
In college football, change is the only constant, and for Alabama, the next few months will be crucial in determining how they bounce back from a season of ups and downs. Will they rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the passion for Alabama football runs deep, and the fans are ready for a thrilling ride ahead.
