The skies over Tuscaloosa aren’t shining crimson anymore. The post-Saban era has descended like a thick fog over Alabama football, and the 2024 season was nothing short of a wake-up call. No playoff berth. Embarrassing losses. A fanbase grappling with the unfamiliar sting of mediocrity. And in the center of this brewing storm? Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s new head coach, trying to steer the Tide back to its legendary dominance. But he’s not alone in this uphill battle—his old offensive wizard, Ryan Grubb, is back in town, and their reunion might be Alabama’s last shot at redemption.
DeBoer is staring down a full-blown identity crisis, as the harsh realities of life in the SEC become impossible to ignore. This isn’t just about filling Saban’s legendary shoes; it’s about carving out a new identity while navigating sky-high expectations. Because in Alabama, winning isn’t just expected—it’s demanded.
Alabama’s Offense Was Lost at Sea—Enter Ryan Grubb
Let’s be honest: Alabama’s offense last season was a mess. Without Grubb at his side, DeBoer’s usually sharp offensive schemes looked like they’d been thrown into a blender. One week, the Crimson Tide steamrolled LSU with nearly 300 rushing yards and six touchdowns, looking every bit like the juggernaut fans expect. But just a few weeks later against Tennessee? It was like watching a different team. Jalen Milroe was slinging the ball 49 times, and the ground game was nowhere to be found.
SEC analyst Chris Marler nailed it: “Bama’s offense last year didn’t really know their own identity from week to week—you saw that.” And he’s absolutely right. The Crimson Tide weren’t just inconsistent—they were unrecognizable. The quarterback carousel didn’t inspire excitement; it sparked confusion and frustration.
But now, Ryan Grubb is back in the mix, and that could change everything. After a brief (and, let’s be honest, forgettable) stint as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator in the NFL, Grubb is returning to college football—his natural habitat. As SEC Mike put it, “Grubb brings more experience, more calmness, and a better understanding of what DeBoer wants to do. With Sheridan, it felt like he was just filling in, but it wasn’t great.” Translation? Grubb isn’t here to figure things out—he’s here to light the SEC on fire.
Grubb and DeBoer’s history is nothing short of electric. Together, they transformed Fresno State from a middling program into an offensive powerhouse. Then, they moved to Washington and pulled off a Hollywood-worthy turnaround. They inherited a 4-8 team, turned quarterback Michael Penix Jr. into a bona fide NFL prospect, and had defenses scrambling every Saturday. The success was undeniable, and when Alabama came calling, DeBoer answered. Grubb was supposed to join him right away but took a detour to the NFL. Now that detour is over, and the dynamic duo is back together—just in time to face their biggest challenge yet.
The 2025 Season Forecast: Stormy with a Chance of Meltdowns
While the Grubb-DeBoer reunion has Alabama fans cautiously optimistic, the road ahead isn’t exactly paved with easy wins. The 2025 season kicks off with a brutal test—an opening-week showdown against Florida State in Tallahassee. It’s not just any game; it’s a season-defining clash that neither coach can afford to lose. SEC Mike didn’t sugarcoat the stakes: “I just want to see a squirm here in Week 1 at Florida State. I mean, is there a bigger game in the country where both coaches literally can’t afford to lose? God forbid Kalen DeBoer loses that game. It’s not going to derail the season, but it’s going to be an epic meltdown.”
And he’s not wrong. A Week 1 loss would send shockwaves through Tuscaloosa, and things don’t get any easier. Just a few weeks later, Alabama faces a trip to Athens to battle Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs—a team that’s been eyeing Alabama’s throne for years. Lose to both Florida State and Georgia, and DeBoer’s seat might get hotter than an Alabama summer.
Let’s not forget the horrors of 2024. Alabama suffered some downright humiliating losses, including an unforgivable defeat to Vanderbilt. Yes, Vanderbilt. They also took Ls from Tennessee and an unremarkable 6-6 Oklahoma squad. Chris Marler didn’t pull punches when predicting how 2025 might unfold: “Listen, Bama will lose their first two games. Then win the next nine. And then lose to Auburn to not make the playoff. That’s the Kalen DeBoer way.”
Imagine that: Alabama clawing back into playoff contention only to have their hopes crushed by their biggest rival in the Iron Bowl. The thought alone could send Tide fans into a frenzy.
High Stakes and Higher Expectations
Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb are walking a razor-thin line. If they can recapture the magic they had at Washington and Fresno State, Alabama might rise from the ashes and reclaim its spot atop college football. But if they stumble out of the gate? If that offense sputters and those early games slip through their fingers? Tuscaloosa won’t wait around for excuses. The fanbase, the media, and the relentless SEC schedule will all be gunning for DeBoer’s head.
Because at Alabama, second place isn’t just the first loser—it’s a fireable offense.
Will the DeBoer-Grubb partnership reignite the Crimson Tide’s championship ambitions, or will Alabama plunge deeper into its identity crisis? One thing’s for sure: the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling—and nerve-wracking—chapters in Alabama football history. Buckle up, Tide fans. This ride is just getting started.
