With just over one day on the job, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is beginning to fill out his coaching staff.
According to a report from ESPN’s Chris Low, DeBoer is expected to bring over three more Washington staffers offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard and director of scouting Jarrett McElwain.
But what was also shared in the report is that DeBoer is expected to retain key members of Alabama’s previous staff with Nick Saban which includes defensive line coach Freddie Roach and running backs coach Robert Gillespie.
Kalen DeBoer's staff at @AlabamaFTBL is continuing to take shape. Ryan Grubb (OC), JaMarcus Shephard (WR) and Jerret McElwain (director of scouting) expected to follow DeBoer from Washington. Freddie Roach (DL) and Robert Gillespie (RB) expected to be retained.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) January 14, 2024
DeBoer noted on Saturday during his first-ever media availability as the head coach of the Crimson Tide that his staff would have a touch of Washington in it, as well as some needed SEC experience.
Bringing over Grubb is one of DeBoer’s early wins on the job as he is amongst the most sought-after offensive minds in the country. Last offseason he was pursued by Nick Saban to join his staff but ultimately remained with the Huskies where he helped shape one of the top offenses in the country along with a Heisman finalist at quarterback.
Also along from Washington is general manager Courtney Morgan who is a major player in the recruiting world and was the first assistant DeBoer brought with him to Alabama.
“He’s just so tied into everyone in the recruiting world, players staff members,” DeBoer said to members of the local media on Saturday. “He knows a lot of this roster. There are parents and players on this roster that he’s got their numbers and talking with them right now, trying to allude to what we’re trying to accomplish right now. Holding people into place, and not getting too antsy.”
With DeBoer keeping a few familiar faces in the building it with help him keep in contact with players in hopes of continuing to keep the bulk of its roster away from the transfer portal.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
