Woah.
After a week full of coaching changes and carousel rides, one of the biggest names to enter the carousel was Ryan Grubb, who will now head out to the NFL to be the new offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.
But the biggest difference between the Ryan Grubb news and the rest of the college football world, is that this was to be expected for almost two weeks. Alabama’s athletic director Greg Byrne saw this one coming after the Crimson Tide hired Kalen DeBoer back in January, “We knew when we hired Coach DeBoer that there was a chance that Coach Grubb may end up being either the head coach at UW or was on the radar screen with the Seattle Seahawks… Coach DeBoer had a plan for that and that is being worked on as we speak."
So, who will Alabama’s new offensive coordinator be in 2024? Well, let me give you my three candidates that I think will best suit Alabama in the coming years.
1. Kirby Moore
Moore has been one of the biggest reasons for Missouri’s rise in their offensive production in 2023. They went from being 88th to 29th in total offense, including scoring 30 or more in 9 games, going 8-1 during those 9 games.
Moore was also on staff with DeBoer during their time at Fresno State from 2017-2022. He will not be a cheap hire, but at the end of the day, this will be worth it for not only Jalen Milroe, but for the offense as a whole.
2. JaMarcus Shephard
We all know what Michael Penix Jr. did last year with Washington’s offense, and the man who was one of his key components to his record breaking year was JaMarcus Shephard.
Shephard was the offensive coordinator with Jeff Brohm and Purdue from 2018-21, the experience is there along with Moore’s experience. Washington’s passing offense during his two season were first and second in the FBS and don’t be surprised if he is the new OC, that this trend will continue.
3. Kalen DeBoer
Why not DeBoer himself?
It wouldn’t be out of the question, it certainly isn’t the first time a head coach has called the offense/defense. Mike McCarthy does it in Dallas, Andy Reid has been doing that since he was the Eagles head coach.
Though it may be different at the collegiate level, the same success will still hold especially when you have someone with as much experience as DeBoer has calling plays.