What do you think—can new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb truly deliver for Alabama Crimson Tide football?

The hiring of Ryan Grubb as Alabama’s new offensive coordinator marks a pivotal moment for the Crimson Tide. With the departure of Nick Saban and the ushering in of the Kalen DeBoer era, Alabama football finds itself in unfamiliar territory—still elite, but with plenty to prove. Grubb, who follows DeBoer from Washington to Tuscaloosa, brings with him a high-octane offensive pedigree, built on precision passing, aggressive tempo, and quarterback development. But the question remains: Can Ryan Grubb actually deliver for Alabama on the sport’s biggest stage, under the brightest spotlight in all of college football?

Grubb’s credentials are impressive. During his time at Washington, he orchestrated one of the most explosive and efficient offenses in the nation. With Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback, the Huskies led the nation in passing yards in 2023 and made a run all the way to the national title game. Grubb’s system carved up elite defenses, featured intricate route concepts, and emphasized verticality—a stark contrast from the more run-heavy and methodical systems Alabama has run at times in recent years. His play-calling rhythm kept defenses guessing, and his use of motion, spacing, and matchup exploitation showed an offensive mind deeply tuned to modern college football.

Transplanting that success to Alabama, however, is not as simple as plugging in a new scheme. Alabama’s roster makeup, SEC defenses, and the sheer pressure of expectations create a much different environment. At Washington, Grubb’s system was tailored to specific personnel—most notably a veteran quarterback with a cannon arm and a trio of elite wideouts who could win on the outside. At Alabama, Grubb inherits a more balanced but rawer unit. Jalen Milroe, the returning quarterback, is a dynamic playmaker with a rare blend of size and speed but still developing as a consistent passer. While Alabama has talent at wide receiver, the room lacks the proven production and chemistry Grubb had in Seattle.

Then there’s the issue of identity. Alabama has been many things offensively in the Nick Saban era—pro-style, run-heavy, spread-tempo, and most recently, a mix of everything. Under DeBoer and Grubb, the Tide are expected to lean into a more defined offensive identity, one rooted in efficiency, vertical threats, and quarterback empowerment. That could be exactly what Milroe needs to flourish, or it could expose limitations in his game. Grubb will need to mold his playbook to fit the strengths of his personnel, not just replicate what worked at Washington. Flexibility will be key.

One major advantage Grubb brings is his track record of developing quarterbacks. Before Penix, he helped turn Jake Haener into a star at Fresno State. Grubb’s offense makes life easier for quarterbacks with its use of layered route trees, quick reads, and pre-snap motion. If Milroe takes to the system, he could thrive not just as a runner, but as a confident downfield passer. That’s a big “if,” but it’s a possibility that should excite Alabama fans. Grubb’s system has shown it can unlock the full potential of talented but unpolished quarterbacks.

The offensive line will also be a central focus. Alabama’s line was inconsistent last season—dominant at times but also prone to lapses in protection. Grubb’s offense requires solid pass protection to function at a high level. The Tide must improve in that area if they hope to replicate Washington’s success in the passing game. Fortunately, Alabama has retooled its offensive line room with both returning talent and high-end recruits. If the unit gels under new leadership, Grubb will have the foundation he needs.

The receiver corps is another area where Grubb’s touch could make a major difference. Alabama has struggled in recent years to find consistency at wideout since the departure of stars like DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Jameson Williams. The raw talent is still there—names like Isaiah Bond, Kendrick Law, and Malik Benson all possess elite speed and athleticism—but they need development, polish, and a system that puts them in position to win matchups. Grubb is known for maximizing receiver production and creating advantageous alignments. If he can elevate the wideout play, Alabama’s offense could become lethal again.

Running back usage under Grubb will be another interesting development. Washington was known more for its passing game, but Grubb has shown balance when needed. At Alabama, with a stable of physical and explosive backs—Jamarion Miller, Justice Haynes, and others—Grubb will need to integrate the run game effectively to keep defenses honest. Alabama fans are used to seeing a power-run game as part of their DNA. Even with a pass-forward scheme, that identity shouldn’t be lost. Grubb’s ability to marry the run and pass will be a key storyline in 2025.

There’s also the intangible element—how Grubb adapts to the Alabama culture and the SEC environment. The SEC is a different beast from the Pac-12. Defensive lines are faster, secondaries are more physical, and coaching staffs are more aggressive. Grubb won’t get many easy Saturdays. Every team brings NFL-caliber athletes, and every mistake is magnified. The pressure cooker of SEC football demands more than just a great scheme—it demands resilience, adaptability, and command. How Grubb handles in-game adjustments, hostile environments like Baton Rouge or Knoxville, and media scrutiny will shape his success.

Another factor to consider is recruiting. As offensive coordinator at Alabama, Grubb becomes one of the most visible faces of the program’s future. Top quarterbacks and skill players will look to him for vision and development. While he’s not known as a dynamic recruiter yet, his offensive success gives him a strong selling point. If he can build relationships and show early results, Alabama should remain a top destination for elite offensive talent. Given the foundation laid by DeBoer’s staff and Alabama’s reputation, the recruiting machine remains intact—but Grubb must do his part.

There’s a real opportunity for innovation. Under Saban, Alabama became synonymous with discipline, structure, and defense. Under DeBoer and Grubb, there’s a chance for the program to lean into a more creative, offense-first identity. That doesn’t mean abandoning what’s made Alabama great—it means evolving. College football is shifting. Offense is king. Elite quarterback play wins championships. Grubb is the architect tasked with guiding Alabama into that future.

But let’s not pretend it’ll be easy. There will be growing pains. Alabama’s schedule is brutal, as always. Fans are impatient. The shadow of Nick Saban looms large. Every three-and-out will be dissected. Every red zone failure will spark questions. That’s the nature of the job. What sets Grubb apart, though, is his calm demeanor and methodical approach. He’s not flashy in interviews. He doesn’t seek the spotlight. He’s a grinder. That fits well in Tuscaloosa, where substance always matters more than style.

Ultimately, the success of Ryan Grubb at Alabama won’t be judged on one game or even one season. It will be judged on whether he can build a sustainable, elite offense that complements Alabama’s championship ambitions. He must win games, yes—but also win trust. From his quarterback. From his players. From the fan base. From the SEC itself. The tools are there. The system is proven. The challenge is monumental.

But this is Alabama. Greatness is expected, not requested. The job Grubb takes on is one of the most pressure-packed in college football. But it also comes with the biggest stage, the most resources, and the clearest path to legacy. Deliver, and Grubb becomes a foundational figure in the next era of Crimson Tide football. Fall short, and the scrutiny will be relentless. That’s the deal. That’s the standard.

So what say you? Can Ryan Grubb actually deliver for Alabama? The blueprint is in his hands. The future of the Tide’s offense—and maybe their shot at another national title—just might depend on how well he draws it.