The world of college football is full of highs and lows. Coaches face tough decisions about their roster, coaching staff, and even themselves. Every move made within a football program can either lead to a championship or a painful, years-long struggle for relevance. Few coaches, however, understand the gravity of these moments better than Alabama’s head coach, Kalen DeBoer.
DeBoer, known for his discipline, leadership, and motivational skills, faced a particularly critical decision early in his tenure with Alabama. That decision involved Ryan Grubb, the program’s offensive coordinator. Grubb’s coaching style had garnered significant praise for its innovative approach, but following a few difficult seasons, some wondered if his methods were still effective. Alabama’s offense, historically known for its punishing physicality and power running game, was in need of a change in direction. Critics had raised questions about Grubb’s ability to adapt to the modern college football landscape, particularly in a conference where offenses were becoming more diverse, explosive, and fast-paced.
However, Kalen DeBoer, fresh off his success at Fresno State, was a coach who was not easily swayed by outside pressure. He knew that Grubb had potential—potential that many had begun to overlook. What followed was an insight into the power of belief, resilience, and second chances in the world of college football.
A Coach with Vision
Kalen DeBoer has always been known for his ability to revitalize programs and turn them into national contenders. At Fresno State, he inherited a team that had been underperforming and managed to not only turn their fortunes around but also make them one of the most formidable teams in the Mountain West Conference. DeBoer’s offense was innovative and efficient, blending the best of traditional power football with modern passing concepts. This versatility was something that immediately caught the attention of Alabama’s athletic director and administration when they were looking for the next head coach to lead their storied football program.
Upon taking over the reins at Alabama, DeBoer was faced with the reality of an offense that had stagnated under the previous staff. However, he quickly realized that the foundation of a strong program was already in place. The team had elite talent at nearly every position. But there was one element that could be refined and could elevate the entire offense: Ryan Grubb’s coaching.
Grubb had served as offensive coordinator under former head coach Nick Saban, and while his offensive schemes had led to some good seasons, there was criticism of his ability to adapt to modern offensive philosophies. Alabama, traditionally known for its ground-and-pound style, had struggled in the passing game at times under Grubb’s leadership. Many believed that if the program was to continue its dominance, it would need to focus more on passing, spreading the field, and embracing a more up-tempo style.
However, DeBoer recognized a different angle. Rather than dismissing Grubb, he took a step back and carefully analyzed the situation. Instead of seeing Grubb as a coach who had plateaued, DeBoer saw potential for growth. He knew that the real key to a successful offense in today’s football world was balance—not just explosive passing attacks or dominant running games, but an intricate mix of both, with the ability to pivot and adapt to any situation.
The Turning Point: A Heart-to-Heart Conversation
The turning point in this relationship came when DeBoer sat down for a one-on-one conversation with Grubb. It was in this conversation that the core of DeBoer’s philosophy as a coach came into play. DeBoer did not simply tell Grubb to change or to follow trends; he took the time to understand Grubb’s own motivations, frustrations, and aspirations.
DeBoer, being a coach who thrives on leadership through empathy, shared his vision for the future of Alabama football. He spoke about how, in order to truly compete for championships, the program would need to strike a balance between modern offensive techniques and the tradition of Alabama football—an offense that was both powerful and dynamic, versatile yet disciplined. He told Grubb that this wasn’t about abandoning the past, but rather enhancing it. And this is where the motivating factor came into play: DeBoer wasn’t asking Grubb to conform to a cookie-cutter mold, but to evolve with the times while preserving the unique elements that had made Alabama football successful in the first place.
In that meeting, DeBoer also made it clear that he believed in Grubb’s ability to adapt and grow. This belief was perhaps the most critical motivating factor. Too often in sports, coaches and players are written off after a couple of setbacks, but DeBoer demonstrated that he was willing to give Grubb the space to refine his craft and make the adjustments necessary to succeed in today’s game. He told Grubb that he wasn’t just a cog in a machine, but a key piece of a larger puzzle that could push Alabama football back to national prominence.
The Importance of a Second Chance
Grubb’s second chance under DeBoer was not just about proving his worth as a coach. It was about instilling confidence and reminding Grubb of the reasons why he got into coaching in the first place: to teach, to inspire, and to continuously learn. DeBoer recognized that Grubb’s passion for the game and his commitment to developing young talent had the potential to propel Alabama’s offense forward, but only if he was given the chance to refine his approach.
This second chance had a profound impact on Grubb, who quickly went to work refining his offensive strategies. DeBoer’s support allowed Grubb to experiment with different formations, tempo, and pass concepts that complemented Alabama’s elite talent. As a result, Alabama’s offense underwent a transformation. The running game remained dominant, but now the passing attack had a much more varied and potent look. With DeBoer’s guidance, Grubb was able to combine his traditional strengths with modern techniques, creating an offense that was both powerful and unpredictable.
Results on the Field
The improvements under Grubb’s tutelage were evident immediately. Alabama’s offense became one of the most dynamic in the country, blending a strong rushing attack with the ability to spread the field and hit big plays through the air. The results spoke for themselves: Alabama climbed to the top of the SEC, defeating rival programs and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. Quarterbacks flourished in Grubb’s system, receivers saw dramatic increases in production, and the running back corps continued to terrorize defenses. The team was more balanced, more explosive, and more difficult to stop.
While the credit for the turnaround ultimately belongs to both DeBoer and Grubb, the defining moment in this transformation was DeBoer’s belief in Grubb. By delivering the motivating factor of a second chance, he provided not just a coach, but an entire program, the opportunity to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of college football.
Conclusion
Kalen DeBoer’s decision to give Ryan Grubb another chance was more than just an act of faith; it was a demonstration of leadership, vision, and belief in the potential of his staff. It was a reminder that even the best coaches, like DeBoer, understand the importance of second chances, of motivating those around them to improve, and of giving others the opportunity to evolve. In this case, the return of Alabama football to national dominance was not just a product of recruiting, but of fostering an environment where belief in one another is the most powerful motivator of all.
