Tony’s take: Alabama needs an open-week makeover from Ryan Grubb

3/3/25 MFB MFB Spring Practice 1 Alabama Football Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb Photo by Kent Gidley

Two years ago, Tommy Rees revitalized Alabama’s offense during the open week. Say what you want about the former offensive coordinator’s lone season with the Crimson Tide in 2023. His November transformation of Jalen Milroe that year was magical. 

Take a look at the numbers.

Milroe’s first seven games in 2023: 99 of 153 (64.7%); 1,617 passing yards; 13 passing touchdowns; five interceptions; 142 rushing yards; five rushing touchdowns 

Milroe’s last six games in 2023: 88 of 131 (67.2%); 1,217 passing yards; 10 passing touchdowns; one interception; 389 rushing yards; seven rushing touchdowns

The most obvious thing Rees did was put Milroe in a position to run more, tripling his yards per game on the ground. But that wasn’t the only alteration the offensive coordinator made. Rees tailored Alabama’s offense to play toward Milroe’s strengths behind center and got the first-year starter to see the game differently, improving his decision-making. 

Those changes propelled Alabama to the SEC Championship Game, where it knocked off No. 1 Georgia and punched its ticket to the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Milroe ended up finishing sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Not bad for a quarterback who was benched in Week 3 of the season. 

This year, Ryan Grubb needs to be taking notes.