What happens when a powerhouse loses its magic touch? For Alabama, the transition from the Nick Saban dynasty to Kalen DeBoer‘s regime has been anything but smooth. The Crimson Tide, once most feared across the nation, now seems a shadow of their former selves. But is it really just about adjusting to a new coach, or is DeBoer lacking something—or perhaps someone—essential to his success? As questions swirl, fans grow restless with 8-3. One name keeps coming up: Ryan Grubb. Could the absence of his long-time right-hand man be the Achilles’ heel of Alabama football?

On November 26, Alabama insider Kyle Henderson dropped a bombshell on his podcast, ‘BAMA Football with Kyle Henderson.’ He pointed out a key detail that’s been flying under the radar: “This is the first year that Coach Kalen DeBoer has not had Ryan Grubb right next to him since 2007.” Henderson went on to un-boxing just how crucial Grubb has been to DeBoer’s coaching journey. “Ryan Grubb was offered the offensive coordinator position during the 2023 season,” Henderson revealed. “Coach Saban wanted Ryan Grubb. He was supposed to come to Tuscaloosa and coach with DeBoer.” If you got approval from coach Saban, then you are among the elites.

“This is interesting to me,” Henderson emphasized. “You have to think that the offense is sputtering without Ryan Grubb, or at least it’s something to think about.” And sputter it has. The Crimson Tide, now sitting at 8-3, just suffered their worst loss of the decade—a 27-3 drubbing by a mediocre Oklahoma Sooners. With Alabama officially out of the playoff picture, the whispers about DeBoer’s ability to lead without Grubb have turned into full-blown chatter.

Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb: a duo built for success

What’s the deal with DeBoer and Grubb? These two were more than just colleagues; they were football soulmates. The Batman and Robin type duo. Starting in 2007 at Sioux Falls, DeBoer brought in Grubb as his O-line coach and the two built offenses that clicked like magic.

Their partnership hit new heights at Washington, where Grubb’s play-calling powered a top-15 scoring offense and a national championship run in 2023. Naturally, when DeBoer took the Alabama job, everyone assumed Grubb would follow. But nope, Grubb chose the Seahawks instead, leaving DeBoer solo for the first time in 17 years.

Now, Alabama’s offense is playing funny. Alabama QB Jalen Milroe’s game against the Sooners had everybody’s hands on their heads, and fans are wondering—did they bet on the wrong half of the duo? Without Grubb, can DeBoer keep the Roll Tide rolling, or is Alabama in for stormy seas ahead?