Alabama's Offensive Coordinator Faces Scrutiny After Seahawks' Super Bowl Run

Ryan Grubb's coaching tenure with the Crimson Tide raises concerns about the team's struggling running game.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:25am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football field and players, representing the complex challenges facing Alabama's offense under its new coordinator.The Alabama Crimson Tide's offense faces a critical test as its new coordinator's philosophy clashes with the team's storied running game identity.Tuscaloosa Today

The recent Super Bowl run by the Seattle Seahawks, one year after firing offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, has ignited a debate about Grubb's current role with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama's offense, with Grubb now calling the shots, is facing challenges, as the team's running game finished the 2025 season ranked second-to-last in the SEC. The situation is raising questions about Grubb's coaching philosophy and its fit with Alabama's historical identity as a powerhouse running team.

Why it matters

Alabama's offense has traditionally been built around a dominant running game, but under Grubb's leadership, the team has struggled to establish a consistent ground attack. This has led to concerns about Grubb's ability to adapt his offensive strategy to the Crimson Tide's identity and has also impacted the team's recruiting efforts, with Alabama reportedly struggling to attract top running back talent.

The details

Grubb's tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks was not without controversy, as he was fired by head coach Mike Macdonald after the 2024 season due to concerns about the offense's lack of toughness, particularly in short-yardage running plays. This pattern seems to be repeating itself at Alabama, where the team's running game has struggled. Additionally, Grubb's offense in Seattle was criticized for relying too heavily on the passing game, making it predictable in the latter half of the 2024 season. These issues appear to be resurfacing at Alabama as well.

  • In 2024, Grubb was fired as the offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks.
  • In 2025, Alabama's running game finished the season ranked second-to-last in the SEC.
  • In 2026, the Seattle Seahawks are heading to the Super Bowl, one year after parting ways with Grubb.

The players

Ryan Grubb

The offensive coordinator for the Alabama Crimson Tide, who previously held the same position with the Seattle Seahawks.

Kalen DeBoer

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, who brought Grubb with him from Washington.

Mike Macdonald

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, who fired Grubb as the team's offensive coordinator in 2024.

Daniel Hill

Alabama's top returning running back, who rushed for only 284 yards last season.

Chris Kapilovic

The former offensive line coach for Alabama, who was recently fired.

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What’s next

The upcoming spring practice will be crucial for Grubb and the Alabama offense, as they look to revitalize the running game and address the concerns raised by the team's struggles in 2025.

The takeaway

The situation at Alabama highlights the importance of a head coach's ability to align their offensive coordinator's philosophy with the program's historical identity and recruiting needs. Grubb's struggles to establish a consistent running game at Alabama, coupled with the recent success of the Seahawks without him, have raised doubts about his ability to adapt his offensive approach to the Crimson Tide's strengths.