Kalen DeBoer’s first few weeks as Alabama’s head coach could be described as nothing short of a fiery baptism by SEC football. The “Roll Tide” welcome was loud and proud, but DeBoer quickly learned that replacing a legend like Nick Saban isn’t just about filling shoes; it’s about dealing with pressures that go beyond football. From the outside looking in, Alabama fans had sky-high expectations, and after a rocky start, especially following a rare four-loss season, the pressure was mounting. Critics were quick to compare DeBoer to Saban, and it wasn’t a kind comparison. The whispers of doubt grew louder as DeBoer faced the chaos of the transfer portal and NIL, forcing him into an uphill battle that no one could have prepared for.
Then, the unthinkable happened. Just as DeBoer thought he was getting some stability with Ryan Grubb—his trusted offensive coordinator and longtime friend—Grubb dropped a bombshell: he was leaving to take the job with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. It was a gut punch for DeBoer. Grubb had been expected to take Alabama’s offense to new heights, and his sudden departure threw the Crimson Tide into disarray. Alabama’s 9-4 finish last season wasn’t just a bad look—it was a reminder of how unpredictable the world of college football can be. However, in this madness, DeBoer’s resilience was shining through, even if the critics didn’t see it that way.
Josh Pate’s Reality Check: The Hard Truth About DeBoer’s Alabama Struggles
Josh Pate, never one to shy away from hard truths, took a deep dive into DeBoer’s tumultuous first month on the job. The reality, according to Pate, was that DeBoer had been facing an uphill battle from the start. “The reality of it is, like the eight ball DeBoer found himself behind, was part one: the transfer portal only went one way. He couldn’t bring anyone in but was watching as players left left and right.” In other words, DeBoer’s hands were tied. When he was handed the reins at Alabama, the portal had already opened, and players were bolting for greener pastures.
But, that’s not the whole story. While DeBoer may have lost some key players to the portal, he also secured some fresh faces, including standout running back Dre’lyn Washington, who could help change the game for the Crimson Tide. Still, the drama surrounding the portal and the endless cycle of roster changes felt like a never-ending storm. “Losing Caleb Downs was a huge blow,” Pate noted, highlighting how DeBoer was in a constant battle to maintain stability, all while adjusting to the seismic shifts of college football.
Ryan Grubb to Alabama reminded me how tough Kalen DeBoer’s first month was last year pic.twitter.com/qqSiiIrWsZ
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) February 3, 2025
The Grubb Departure: A Shocking Twist
As if the transfer portal wasn’t enough, DeBoer faced another blow that he never saw coming. The loss of Ryan Grubb was a double-edged sword. While Grubb had been brought in to transform Alabama’s offense, DeBoer knew that the Tide’s offensive struggles weren’t entirely on him. Under Nick Sheridan, Alabama was already producing impressive numbers, with 422.8 yards per game, ranking 7th nationally in total yards, and an impressive 182.7 rushing yards per game—good enough for 4th in the SEC. However, Grubb was supposed to push those numbers higher, making his abrupt exit a devastating blow.
It wasn’t just the loss of Grubb that stung—it was the timing. “It’s so ironic that you’re getting that same guy back,” Pate said, pointing out the swirling confusion and strange twist of fate that had DeBoer watching his trusted right-hand man leave for the NFL just as the Tide were getting into full swing. But perhaps this would be a blessing in disguise? Perhaps stability would soon return. After all, DeBoer had weathered worse storms before, and now, with Grubb’s return to Alabama, there was new hope.
Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb: A Bond that Never Broke
For those who don’t know the backstory, DeBoer and Grubb share a long history—one that stretches all the way back to 2007. It was then that DeBoer hired Grubb as the run game coordinator and special teams coach at Sioux Falls, setting the stage for an enduring partnership. Their careers have followed parallel paths, from Eastern Michigan to Fresno State and finally to Washington. Wherever DeBoer went, Grubb was sure to follow, creating a bond that transcended football.
So, when DeBoer landed the head coaching job at Fresno State, Grubb was one of the first people he called. The trust between the two coaches is unquestionable, and their success together speaks for itself. Grubb’s track record is nothing short of impressive—his teams have consistently racked up over 400 yards per game, with his 2022 Washington offense averaging a remarkable 515 yards per game. With Grubb now back in the fold at Alabama, expectations couldn’t be higher. It’s as though the Crimson Tide’s offense has just been given a second chance at life.
The Road Ahead: Can Alabama Rise Again?
DeBoer, who’s seen his fair share of setbacks and successes, isn’t just watching from the sidelines. He knows the importance of the upcoming season for Alabama. “I think the world of Ryan as a coach, and I’m here for him no matter what,” DeBoer said, referring to his good friend’s return. “Last season brought a lot of challenges, but now it’s time to see what he can do.” With Grubb back in the mix and stability on the horizon, DeBoer’s Alabama future is starting to look a whole lot brighter.
But let’s not forget, this is Alabama we’re talking about. The expectations here are always sky-high, and anything less than a national championship run would be seen as a failure. DeBoer and Grubb are now tasked with proving they can not only fill the void left by Saban but also make their own mark on the program’s storied legacy.
With the season on the horizon and Alabama looking to regain its dominance, one thing is for sure—Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb aren’t just trying to maintain Alabama’s standard. They’re here to redefine it. The stage is set for the Crimson Tide to make their mark once again, and if DeBoer’s past is any indication, Alabama’s future is in good hands. The only question left now is: how high can they rise?
