Crimson Tide News: Ryan Grubb, the Alabama offensive coordinator, makes an honest statement regarding Jalen Milroe’s replacement
In the ever-competitive world of college football, transparency from coaches—especially coordinators—can be rare. But Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is not interested in hiding behind coach-speak or vague generalities. As the Crimson Tide transition away from the Jalen Milroe era under center, Grubb made an uncharacteristically candid statement this week that caught the attention of fans, analysts, and players alike.
Grubb, who joined the Alabama staff following Kalen DeBoer’s move from Washington, has been tasked with redefining the Tide’s offense. With Milroe having declared for the NFL Draft and set to take his dynamic talents to the next level, the biggest question in Tuscaloosa is obvious: Who’s next? And perhaps more importantly, can they lead Alabama back to the College Football Playoff?
Grubb didn’t mince words when addressing the quarterback battle during a press conference following Alabama’s third spring scrimmage. Asked if there was a clear front-runner in the race to replace Milroe, he replied:
“Right now, no one has taken that job. And that’s the truth. We’ve got talented guys, but talent isn’t enough at Alabama. We need leadership, command, and consistency.”
That honesty—strikingly rare in spring updates—resonated. It was a clear message to the quarterback room: nothing will be handed to you in Tuscaloosa.
Life After Milroe: A New Era Begins
Jalen Milroe’s departure leaves massive shoes to fill. The dual-threat quarterback was a lightning rod for both praise and criticism in 2023 and 2024, but his growth, leadership, and explosive playmaking ability helped keep Alabama at the top of the SEC. His signature moments—from the game-winning drive against Auburn in the 2023 Iron Bowl to the shootout victory over LSU—won’t soon be forgotten.
Grubb, however, isn’t interested in nostalgia. His focus is firmly on the future.
“I respect what Jalen did here. He was a competitor, and he made things happen when plays broke down,” Grubb said. “But we’re building something a little different now. We want to be a precision offense. We want to control games with smart, fast decisions, not just raw ability.”
It’s a subtle but important shift in philosophy. Under DeBoer and Grubb at Washington, the Huskies built an elite passing attack with Michael Penix Jr., centered on pre-snap reads, timing, and quarterback discipline. That scheme now comes to Alabama—and the Crimson Tide’s next starter must adapt quickly.
The Quarterback Room: Candidates and Contenders
With Milroe gone, the competition to be Alabama’s next starting quarterback is wide open. Several names have emerged as top contenders:
1. Ty Simpson – The redshirt sophomore has long been viewed as a potential heir apparent. Simpson has prototypical size, a strong arm, and has shown flashes in limited action. However, consistency remains an issue.
Grubb spoke directly about Simpson’s progress: “Ty is incredibly sharp. He’s one of the best learners I’ve been around. But now he’s got to put it all together. We need to see him operate the offense without hesitation.”
2. Julian Sayin – One of the highest-rated quarterback recruits in the 2024 class, Sayin turned heads even before enrolling early. He’s a natural passer with elite footwork and poise well beyond his years.
“Julian is special,” Grubb said. “He’s got that ‘it’ factor. But this is Alabama—we don’t throw guys into the fire unless they’re ready. He’s still learning, but he’s right there in the mix.”
Sayin’s command of the huddle during spring practices has impressed veterans. According to multiple sources, his relationship with wide receivers like Kendrick Law and Kobe Prentice is already strong.
3. Dylan Lonergan – The redshirt freshman may be the wild card in the competition. While he’s not as hyped as Sayin, Lonergan impressed in last year’s spring game and has a baseball player’s poise in pressure situations.
“Dylan’s been solid,” Grubb said. “I don’t think he gets enough credit for how steady he is. He doesn’t make many mistakes.”
No Timeline, No Favorites
Perhaps the most striking element of Grubb’s comments was his insistence that there is no front-runner and no pre-determined starter.
“I don’t care what star rating a guy had in high school. I care about who makes the best decisions now. That’s the guy who’s going to play,” Grubb emphasized.
The quarterback competition is expected to stretch into the fall, with Alabama’s August scrimmages likely serving as the final audition. But that uncertainty isn’t viewed negatively by Grubb.
“Competition breeds greatness,” he said. “I want every guy in that room to feel like this is their job to win—or lose.”
What the Players Are Saying
The quarterbacks themselves have been quiet publicly, preferring to let their work speak on the field. But teammates have taken notice of the battle behind the scenes.
Kendrick Law, Alabama’s senior wideout, praised the group’s preparation and work ethic.
“All three of them are working their tails off,” Law said. “You can tell it matters to them. Ty’s taking more command. Julian’s throwing dimes. Dylan’s got ice in his veins. It’s close.”
Center Seth McLaughlin echoed those sentiments.
“We’re getting used to each guy’s cadence and rhythm. That part takes time,” he said. “But they’re all showing growth. We believe in whoever steps into that role.”
Adapting to the Grubb System
Unlike previous years, Alabama’s offense will be taking on an entirely new identity under Ryan Grubb. Gone are the RPO-heavy play designs and improvisational flair that defined much of Milroe’s game. In their place: complex pre-snap motions, timing-based passing, and heavy utilization of the tight end.
For quarterbacks, that means added pressure to master not just their own role, but the structure of the entire offense.
“It’s a lot,” Simpson admitted during media availability. “It’s like learning a new language. But once it clicks, it’s beautiful football.”
Grubb compared the system transition to “going from a pickup game to symphonic music.”
“There’s a rhythm to it. If one guy’s off, the whole play breaks down. That’s what we’re drilling right now—cohesion.
Growing Pains Expected
Even with high-ceiling talent in the quarterback room, it’s clear the transition will come with growing pains. Grubb isn’t sugarcoating that reality.
“Look, we’re going to have moments early in the season where we’ll look back and say, ‘Wow, that was ugly,’” Grubb admitted. “But we’ll grow through those moments. Whoever wins this job is going to have to fail a little before he succeeds.”
That honesty may not be the sugar-coated optimism some fans hope to hear, but it reflects a grounded approach. Alabama isn’t just chasing wins—they’re building a new identity.
Leadership Vacuum?
With Milroe gone, one of the pressing questions is who steps into the leadership void. That’s something Grubb and head coach Kalen DeBoer are watching closely.
“It’s not just about throwing touchdowns,” Grubb said. “We need a guy who can walk into the huddle and demand attention. Someone who owns the moment.”
So far, Sayin has been the most vocal during practices, according to team sources. But Grubb cautions that leadership can’t be manufactured.
“You don’t fake leadership,” he said. “It comes from reps, from trust, and from producing on the field.”
The Bottom Line: A Crucial Decision Looms
The decision of who will replace Jalen Milroe is arguably the most important of the post-Nick Saban era. Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb are building a new Crimson Tide identity, and the quarterback will be the centerpiece.
Grubb’s honesty regarding the uncertainty in the quarterback room isn’t a sign of disarray—it’s a signal that every snap, every throw, every decision matters. This is not a beauty pageant or a popularity contest. This is Alabama football, reborn under new leadership, and the competition is wide open.
“We’ll know when we know,” Grubb said simply. “And when we do, we’ll be ready.”
For now, fans will have to wait and watch as the next leader of Alabama football battles for his place in history.
A Test of Culture and Patience
As Alabama prepares for its annual A-Day spring game, all eyes will be on the quarterbacks. The crowd may cheer loudest for Sayin’s rocket arm or Simpson’s confidence, but inside the building, the evaluation is just beginning.
Ryan Grubb’s candid assessment—“no one has taken the job yet”—shouldn’t be read as a warning, but rather a challenge. Alabama is no longer defined by the ghosts of the past. It is building toward a new future, one practice, one rep, and one honest evaluation at a time.
The question is no longer “Can Alabama find its next great quarterback?” It’s “Who’s ready to lead the next dynasty?”
