Washington's Ryan Grubb 'serious candidate' for Alabama offensive coordinator job

Alabama finds itself in a rare position, looking for both an offensive and defensive coordinator at the same time. Much of the attention has been spent on the latter, with big names being linked to the job. However, head coach Nick Saban has seemingly been spending his time focusing on the offense.

Saban met with Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb in Tuscaloosa on Monday for an interview. Grubb is now viewed as a “serious candidate” for the offensive coordinator position after spending just one season with the Huskies.

On3’s Shannon Terry confirmed the Grubb news on BamaInsider’s VIP message board after first being reported by Chris Fetters.

Grubb has been alongside Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer for the past three seasons, beginning in 2020 at Fresno State. He was retained from the Bulldogs’ previous staff and made a jump to the Power Five level around this time a year ago.

Washington saw immediate offensive production with Grubb, who is serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. With quarterback Michael Penix Jr. transferring in as well, the Huskies averaged 515.8 yards of total offense and finished seventh in scoring offense at 39.7 points per game.

Grubb reportedly agreed to an extension with Washington back in November, keeping him with the Pac-12 program through the 2025 season. He will be well taken care of financially as well, making as much as $1.67 million — making him the highest-paid assistant in Huskies history.

Alabama replacing Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator

Bill O’Brien spent the past two seasons as the Alabama offensive coordinator, with frustrations boiling over from a fan’s perspective. Despite having Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young on the roster, a change was needed from Saban.

With O’Brien now off to the NFL to work with the New England Patriots, several top-level coordinators are a part of the rumor mill.

Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby has been linked with the job as well, while Fox’s Joel Klatt has thrown Kliff Kingsbury‘s name out there. A big name is going to be brought into Tuscaloosa to give a breath of fresh air to the program.

Whoever is hired by Alabama will be coming into a quarterback battle, with Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson considered the two contenders. Milroe earned a start this season against Texas A&M, guiding Alabama to a close win at Bryant Denny-Stadium. Simpson made four appearances as a true freshman, with all coming in garbage time.