The Kalen DeBoer era in Tuscaloosa kicked off with a challenging 9-4 record, marking Alabama’s most ordinary season since 2007. Taking over from coaching legend Nick Saban was never going to be an easy task, and DeBoer has a significant journey ahead to restore the Crimson Tide to their former glory.
Challenges in the Transition
One of the immediate hurdles DeBoer faced was the roster situation. With the transfer portal in full swing, he was unable to pull in new talent, and some key players opted to leave. Notable departures included safety Caleb Downs and quarterback Julian Sayin, both of whom have transferred to Ohio State. This situation left DeBoer in a tough spot, as CBS Sports’ Josh Pate pointed out, “It was one of the first times that we’ve seen, in the modern portal era, a coach get hired, even at a major program, and both his hands are tied behind his back.”
Coaching Staff Shake-Up
To address some of these challenges, DeBoer has made changes to his coaching staff, which has led to speculation about the future of certain assistants. A prominent voice in college football, Paul Finebaum, weighed in on the situation, suggesting that one assistant in particular might be better off leaving. “I don’t know Nick Sheridan, but once you get removed as the OC, you’re better off going somewhere else,” Finebaum remarked on his radio show.
Sheridan, who served as DeBoer’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, oversaw an offense that ranked 42nd nationally. Despite his previous experience as DeBoer’s tight ends coach at their last stop, the addition of Ryan Grubb as the new offensive coordinator has stirred the pot. Grubb’s familiarity with DeBoer stems from their time together at Fresno State and Washington, but his recent stint as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator raises questions about his effectiveness.
Bringing in Ryan Grubb
So, why did DeBoer choose Ryan Grubb? The two have a long history together, having first worked on the same staff at the University of Sioux Falls. Grubb’s offense in Seattle ranked 18th in scoring and 14th in total yardage, but it struggled in the rushing department, finishing 28th in that category. With Geno Smith at the helm, the Seahawks did boast the eighth-most passing yards, but the overall performance left something to be desired.
Pate humorously noted the cyclical nature of DeBoer’s coaching choices, saying, “Now, you may think to yourself, ‘Why am I watching a replay of a show from last year? Because this happened last year, didn’t it?’” He continued, “Well, it kind of feels that way. … We’re gonna try it again. We’re gonna spin the wheel again and we’re gonna try Ryan Grubb as offensive coordinator at Alabama.”
Looking Ahead
As DeBoer embarks on this new chapter, he has a lot on his plate. The combination of roster challenges and staff changes means that he must hit the ground running. The hope is that with Grubb back in the fold, they can reignite Alabama’s offensive prowess and lead the team back to the top of college football.
The stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable. Alabama fans are eager to see if DeBoer can navigate these turbulent waters and bring the Crimson Tide back to championship contention. The upcoming season will be a test of his leadership and strategic acumen, and fans will be watching closely to see how this new era unfolds.
In the world of college football, change is the only constant, and Kalen DeBoer is at the forefront of a significant transformation at Alabama. With new faces and a fresh approach, the Crimson Tide could be on the brink of a resurgence. Will they rise to the occasion, or will the challenges prove too great? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement surrounding Alabama football is far from over.
