Kalen DeBoer Defends Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb
The Alabama head coach is backing his play-caller following the team's struggles in consecutive losses.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Football
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Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer expressed support for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb after the Crimson Tide lost two straight games for the first time since 2013. The offense has struggled recently, producing only 27 points over the last two outings.
Why it matters
The team's offensive efficiency has come under scrutiny as Alabama looks to recover from a two-game skid. DeBoer's public backing of Grubb signals a focus on internal cohesion as the coaching staff seeks to correct execution issues.
Alabama recorded only three points in the second half of its last two games and converted just one of three fourth-down attempts against Tennessee. The team called 29 pass plays and 26 run plays during the loss in Knoxville.
The players
Kalen DeBoer
He is the head coach of the University of Alabama football team.
Ryan Grubb
He serves as the offensive coordinator for the Alabama football program.
Michael Carroll
He is an offensive lineman for the Alabama football team.
Keelon Russell
He is a player for the Alabama football team.
The details
Against Tennessee, Alabama coaches called 10 designed runs in the second half, while offensive lineman Michael Carroll inadvertently stepped on Keelon Russell during a failed fourth-down play. These execution lapses contributed to a second-half shutout by the Volunteers last Saturday.
Timeline
Alabama last lost back-to-back games in 2013.
The Crimson Tide played Tennessee in Knoxville on October 17, 2026.
Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb addressed the media on October 19, 2026.
Alabama hosts Texas A&M at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 24, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
Season Trajectory
The current losing streak marks the first time since the 2013 Alabama football season that the program has dropped consecutive games. This downturn shifts the Crimson Tide's standing and creates urgency for the team to stabilize its performance during the final stretch.
The Crimson Tide currently sits at 13th in the national rankings, making the upcoming homecoming game a critical opportunity to reclaim momentum. The offense must improve its fourth-down conversion rate and second-half scoring to avoid further slippage in the standings.
The takeaway
Maintaining coaching stability is often prioritized during mid-season slumps to keep player confidence intact. Fans should monitor roster adjustments and play-calling shifts as the staff works to solve recent execution problems.
What happens next
Alabama will host Texas A&M for its homecoming game on October 24, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
Further reading
For more updates on the Crimson Tide, follow the latest coverage on the Football section.
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Should local fans remain patient when their favorite team loses two games in a row?
