Why Alabama OC Ryan Grubb moved down to the sideline against Eastern Illinois

Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb watches the Crimson Tide stretch before the game with Oklahoma at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby

Alabama football’s offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb left the booth and called plays on the sideline Saturday against Eastern Illinois for the first time this season.

Kalen DeBoer highlighted what went into this decision after the game.

“It’s something he’s been thinking about here for a while now and just communication, trying to see if there’s a way where you’re always trying to make things better,” DeBoer said. “And it doesn’t mean it was bad before, but just something different and you know, today was a good opportunity to do that. So, we’ll hash that out and kind of see what we want to do moving forward. Thought it was good though. I thought the communication was really good, and you know there’s an impact I think he makes when he’s around the players. They feed off him and just I thought the communication again between the coaches and him just being right there with them and overseeing everything and getting a feel of what’s happening.”

Geno VanDeMark, who started at center for Alabama against Eastern Illinois, enjoyed having Grubb on the sideline.

“It was awesome,” VanDeMark told reporters. “He would come over, coach us up. He told us he would be on the sideline because he just felt like he could help. And I think he did. It was a big positive for sure and then being a former offensive line coach.”

It will be interesting to monitor where Grubb is when the Tide takes on Auburn next Saturday.