There's a unique dynamic in Alabama football's 2025 offensive coaching staff, but Ryan Grubb sees nothing but positives about it.
Typically, offensive coordinators also serve as the position coach for quarterbacks. That won't be the case in Tuscaloosa this fall , as new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was hired to replace Nick Sheridan as the play caller, while Sheridan has remained on staff as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Grubb, who worked with Sheridan when the two were on head coach Kalen DeBoer's staff at Washington, said Sheridan's role won't stop him from working primarily with quarterbacks Ty Simpson , Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.
"It's got to start with the quarterback room. If I don't have the relationship with the guys throwing the ball, or in the huddle on Saturdays, I'd be putting Alabama at a disadvantage. I've always got to be on the same page with those guys, in sync," Grubb said Wednesday. "Nick being here, obviously is a huge advantage to me because it gives me the flexibility I need to be in the rooms I need to be in, talk to the people I need to talk to. I think that part, for me, has been awesome already. If another position group or coach needs help, I can move myself into that room and try to utilize my skills with the offense somewhere else. But most of the time, it's going to be with the quarterbacks. I just think that relationship is key."
With a background coaching offensive lines, Grubb will naturally turn to that unit next. Alabama's second-year offensive line coach, Chris Kapilovic, doesn't have past experience working with Grubb on a previous staff like Sheridan does, but Grubb said he's worked well with Kapilovic in his initial weeks on the job.
"I think sometimes guys, they don't know how to take that when an OC has some background on the offensive line. Like, will you be infringing on them?," Grubb added. "But Kap does a great job of just being open and thinking about things that can help the unit. And my perspective on the offense can potentially help him out. It's been great."
Along with finding a new starting quarterback, the UA staff also must find new starters at two offensive line positions, right tackle and left guard. If Tuscaloosa native Wilkin Formby is the answer at right tackle − he was beaten out for the job last year by Elijah Pritchett − that would go a long way toward settling the Crimson Tide 's 2025 offensive front.
Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on X @chasegoodbread.
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This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football's Ryan Grubb describes role as OC, but not QB coach
