NFL Rumors: Alabama’s Ryan Grubb to Be Named Seahawks OC Under Mike Macdonald

Adam WellsFebruary 10, 2024

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Ryan Grubb’s stint as Alabama’s offensive coordinator lasted two days, as he will take a job on Mike Macdonald’s coaching staff with the Seattle Seahawks.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Grubb is expected to be hired by the Seahawks as their new offensive coordinator.

Per ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, Grubb is expected to bring Alabama offensive line coach Scott Huff with him to the Seahawks.

Chip Kelly and Detroit Lions offensive assistant Tanner Engstrand were the only other known candidates for the job. The Seahawks also wanted to interview New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, but the Giants blocked the request and added the title of assistant head coach to his resume.

Kelly left his job as UCLA’s head coach to become the offensive coordinator for Ohio State on Friday.

Grubb was expected to follow Kalen DeBoer to Alabama after spending the past two seasons together at the University of Washington.

Speaking at a National Signing Day event on Wednesday, Grubb introduced himself to Crimson Tide fans: “I’m Ryan Grubb, I’m your new offensive coordinator.”

DeBoer was hired as Alabama’s head coach on Jan. 12 after Nick Saban’s retirement. Grubb and DeBoer have a partnership that dates back to 2007 when they were on the same coaching staff at Sioux Falls.

This will mark the first time Grubb and DeBoer haven’t worked together since 2019. The duo helped the Huskies go 25-3 over the past two seasons, including a Pac-12 title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff Championship Game during the 2023 campaign.

Macdonald told reporters during his introductory press conference on Feb. 1 that hiring an offensive coordinator with previous NFL play-calling experience was “not near the top of the list” of requirements.

Grubb has never been a coach in the NFL before. He joins a group of new Seahawks coaches that includes assistant head coach Leslie Frazier, defensive coordinator Aden Durde and special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh.