In the aftermath of Kalen DeBoer leaving Seattle for Tuscaloosa, a list of candidates has surfaced as potential replacements. One of those names was Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who oversaw one of the nation’s best passing offenses in college football this past season. Grubb is incredibly loyal to DeBoer, as he turned down overtures to join Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide staff a year ago to remain Washington’s play-caller. But because he’s loyal to DeBoer, that doesn’t mean Grubb didn’t want to be the Huskies’ next head coach.
Unfortunately, Grubb, who also served as quarterbacks coach and assistant head coach at Washington, will not be the program’s next head coach. He announced on X Saturday that Washington’s decision-makers have elected to go in a different direction, with a move to Alabama likely, as ESPN’s Chris Low reported that Grubb is “likely” to join the Tide.
Grubb offered a heartfelt statement (which has been edited for clarity below) to Huskies fans, who have endured the loss of their head coach and a National Championship loss within a week.
“Possible not probable. The vision coming to Seattle was clear. What wasn’t was how this family would come together and have the experience of a lifetime. Nothing will change that. This is all love. Though I wanted to be, I will not be the next head coach at the University of Washington. It would have been a dream to stay here and fight to maintain the standard that had been established. I showed up every day early and stayed late gladly to fight for my family. And with tears in my eyes, I know my last day in Husky Stadium has come.
“This program has blessed me with mentors like Jen Cohen and Chris Petersen — I leave blessed with their friendship. Seattle is the best!!! Husky fans are the best (even the ones that hate me sometimes *laughing emoji* … always love). I know I was far from perfect, but know I sacrificed all I could to bring out the best every week. The passion and love this city has is rare…and I am so blessed to have been here. Thank you for all. The support and belief you gave to me and my family. We will always love Seattle!!! To my players, I am sorry I could not finish the fight — I love you!!!”
A coaching partnership forged years ago at the University of Sioux Falls had borne fruit for the Huskies, with Grubb’s offensive expertise leading the team to a top-ranked offense in the past two seasons. It seems the partnership will continue in Tuscaloosa, but Grubb didn’t want it to, at least for career advancement and his chance to become a head coach for the first time.
It looks like that dream will have to wait, though.
