Ryan Grubb has nearly been Alabama football’s offensive coordinator multiple times. He interviewed with Nick Saban, and had accepted the job under Kalen DeBoer last season before defecting to the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

On Jan. 24, 2024, Saraland five-star wide receiver Ryan William s re-committed to Alabama football, initially ending his commitment after Nick Saban's retirement. One year later, Williams, per DeBoer, has developed into one of the leaders of the Crimson Tide wide receiver room before he's reached his 18th birthday.

McElroy ultimately gave DeBoer a B- for his Year 1 performance. He specifically mentioned Alabama’s bowl game loss to Michigan as a reason for the lower grade: