The positives, negatives, and potential challenges of the Seahawks appointing Ryan Grubb as their offensive coordinator.
After a month-long period of speculation and turnover within the coaching staffs of both the Seattle Seahawks and the University of Washington Huskies, the Seahawks’ reported hiring of former Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb marks a significant development.
The news of Grubb’s move surfaced Friday night through various NFL insiders, coinciding with images circulating on social media showing Grubb alongside Seahawks general manager John Schneider and new head coach Mike Macdonald at a bar in Renton.
This occurred shortly after initial rumors of the Seahawks’ interest in Grubb quieted down, as Grubb had introduced himself as the offensive coordinator for former UW Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer’s Crimson Tide at an event in Alabama.
The sequence of events is certainly noteworthy.
Brock Huard, host of Seattle Sports, FOX football analyst, and former UW Huskies quarterback, took time on Saturday to offer insights into Grubb’s reported return to Seattle following speculation about his future in Tuscaloosa. Here’s his breakdown of what he described as the positive, negative, and challenging aspects of Grubb’s potential arrival with the Seahawks.
Ryan Grubb joining the Seattle Seahawks:
The Positive:
Huard supports the Seahawks’ decision to appoint Grubb as their offensive coordinator, particularly highlighting Grubb’s background as an offensive line coach. This sentiment is reinforced by ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg’s report indicating that former UW Huskies offensive line coach Scott Huff is also expected to join Seattle.
Huard emphasizes the rarity of offensive line coaches in both college and professional football, expressing admiration for Grubb’s experience in coaching this position. Additionally, Huard praises Grubb’s transition from college to the NFL, noting his pro-style system and the success of his record at Washington in recent years. Ultimately, Huard believes the appointment aligns well with head coach Mike Macdonald’s philosophy of emphasizing success at the line of scrimmage.
The Negative:
Huard acknowledges potential challenges for Grubb in adapting to the NFL environment, particularly regarding his demeanor, described as “gruff.” Having observed Grubb’s practices at UW Huskies, Huard expresses concern about how Grubb will interact with professional players compared to college athletes. He highlights the adjustment required in coaching grown men with guaranteed contracts, as opposed to college players competing for playing time.
The Concerning:
The timing of Grubb’s transition to the NFL prompts speculation about the impact on college football. With the coaching change triggering a 30-day transfer window for players, Grubb’s apparent position as Alabama’s offensive coordinator may have influenced perceptions of stability within the program during this period. Huard suggests that such situations underscore the current issues in college football, advocating for potential changes in rules, regulations, and leadership to address the instability and encourage coaching continuity.
