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Intro
Ryan Grubb returned to college football in 2025 after a one-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks, reuniting with Kalen DeBoer to lead Alabama’s offense. Paired with the emergence of Ty Simpson, the Crimson Tide leaned heavily into the passing game, and when it was at its best, the execution was spectacular.
In Alabama's impressive eight-game stretch of wins, they knocked off several ranked teams including Georgia, Vandy, Tennessee, and others. The offense was fluid and efficient. When Ty Simpson and the receiving corps were clicking, it felt unstoppable. But, the magic didn't last.
Alabama's offense began to sputter in mid-November. A 23-21 loss to Oklahoma at Bryant-Denny, punctuated by a Ty Simpson pick-six, marked the start of a stretch where efficiency and balance were left to be desired.
Georgia's revenge game over Alabama in the SEC Championship was even more concerning as Alabama scored only seven points and rushed for an exhilarating -3 yards. Even after a brief rebound against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff, Alabama was routed in the next round by Indiana 38-3.
The exceptional swings of highs to lows led to a set of fair questions from Alabama fans and many college football observers throughout the year:
WHY isn't Alabama running the ball?
CAN they run the ball?
Does Ryan Grubb WANT to run the ball?
Is it the offensive line? The running backs?
These questions are valid. Let's investigate. Also, subscribe to the newsletter if you aren't already!
Ryan Grubb Overview
History with Kalen DeBoer
Ryan Grubb has been part of Kalen DeBoer’s offensive staff for much of the past decade, first teaming up at Sioux Falls in the late 2000s before following DeBoer through stops at Eastern Michigan, Fresno State, and Washington. Their collaboration produced several high-profile offenses, including a Washington team that reached the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2023. Grubb briefly left to coach in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks in 2024 before reuniting with DeBoer at Alabama for the 2025 season.
Offensive Philosophy
Offensively, Ryan Grubb operates from a modern pro-style foundation that uses spread personnel and themes to dictate matchups. His offenses are built on spacing, route structure, and timing, with the passing attack serving as the focal point of its efficiency.
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