Let’s take a look at Alabama’s new offensive coaching staff under Head Coach Kalen DeBoer.
Ryan Grubb – Offensive Coordinator
Grubb has closely followed DeBoer’s coaching trajectory, contributing significantly to the development of the Washington offense into one of the nation’s finest. During his tenure, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. emerged as a top QB in college football, culminating in a Heisman Trophy finalist position.
Despite being a contender for the Washington head coaching position following DeBoer’s departure, Grubb confirmed on Saturday that he did not secure the role. Instead, he opted for a move to Tuscaloosa, taking over the position previously held by Tommy Rees. Grubb, who was highly sought after for the same job a year earlier, has now joined the Tide.
Prior to his time at Washington with DeBoer, Grubb served as the offensive coordinator at Fresno State alongside Alabama’s new head coach. Additionally, he collaborated with DeBoer at Eastern Michigan and Sioux Falls.
Robert Gillespie – Running Backs
Gillespie remains the sole member retained from Saban’s offensive staff, having been with Alabama since the period preceding the 2022 season. His coaching role will persist as he continues to guide the running backs for the Crimson Tide.
Renowned for his recruiting prowess, Gillespie brings extensive SEC experience to Alabama. His coaching background includes positions at South Carolina and Tennessee, and he played college football at Florida.
Prior to his tenure with the Crimson Tide, Gillespie was actively coaching running backs at North Carolina.
JaMarcus Shephard – Wide Receivers
Shephard will take on the role of coaching Alabama’s wide receivers under the leadership of Grubb and DeBoer, a position he previously held at Washington.
During his time with the Huskies, Shephard played a pivotal role in developing an impressive group of wideouts. Notably, Rome Odunze, under his guidance, achieved consensus all-American status in 2023 and subsequently declared for the NFL Draft.
Shephard, who served as an associate head coach and passing game coordinator at Washington, joined the program in 2022. Prior to that, he gained experience at Purdue, Washington State, and Western Kentucky in various coaching capacities.
Scott Huff – Offensive Line
Huff possesses the potential to address the offensive line challenges that Alabama faced at various points in 2023. In the recent season, Washington’s offensive line, under Huff’s guidance, received the prestigious Joe Moore Award for being the nation’s best. Despite quarterback Penix contending with injury issues throughout his career, the Huskies successfully protected him in his final season, enabling a run to the College Football Playoff.
Huff, had been at Washington since 2017, and was retained by DeBoer upon his hiring. Prior to his tenure with the Huskies, Huff coached for 12 seasons at Boise State.
Nick Sheridan – Tight Ends
Sheridan will assume the role of coaching tight ends for Alabama, a position he previously held at Washington after joining DeBoer’s staff in 2022.
Before his time at Washington, Sheridan had a coaching history with his current boss at Indiana. Starting in 2017, he coached quarterbacks and later transitioned to coaching tight ends in 2019. His responsibilities expanded as he served as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2020 and 2021.
Sheridan’s coaching experience also includes stints at South Florida and Western Kentucky.
This revamped offensive staff, steeped in DeBoer’s high-flying system and boasting proven track records, injects fresh energy and optimism into Alabama’s offensive ambitions. While familiarity breeds comfort, the pressure rests on their collective shoulders to translate past successes into Crimson Tide victories.
