Paul Finebaum admits he is 'very troubled' by Ryan Grubb leaving Alabama for NFL

Ryan Grubb, who was expected to follow Kalen DeBoer to Alabama, accepted an offer to become the Seattle Seahawks’ next offensive coordinator on Saturday. During an appearance on “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning,” Paul Finebaum weighed in on Grubb’s decision.

“I’m very troubled by this decision because, after Kalen DeBoer was hired, most people agreed that the hiring of Ryan Grubb was going to be his best move,” Finebaum said. “While I’m well aware he is replaceable, I don’t like what I’ve seen.

“I really don’t like the fact that Ryan Grubb stood up the other day and said I am the offensive coordinator if he wasn’t sure. I realized it was National Signing Day, but this whole thing really smells and I don’t know where the blame lies. I don’t mind the guy getting an opportunity. But, to me, it’s a very bad look for Alabama.”

Although Grubb introduced himself as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator at a speaking event on National Signing Day, Alabama never officially hired him. The reason for that, according to the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta, was to let the 30-day transfer portal window pass.

After Mike Macdonald took over for Pete Carroll, he identified Grubb as a candidate right away. One of the reasons Seattle held off on announcing the hire was to allow the window to pass, which happened on Saturday – one day after the news broke.

Who can replace Ryan Grubb?

Ryan Grubb played a crucial role in building Washington’s high-powered offense en route to a national championship appearance this past year. The Huskies, led by Heisman Trophy finalist Michael Penix Jr., ranked 13th in the nation with 36 points per game and 12th in the FBS with 462.1 yards on average.

Most of the team’s production came in the passing game with a unit that ranked No. 2 with 343.7 yards per game, just behind conference foe Oregon. McElroy and Cubelic also asked Finebaum who Alabama should hire to replace Grubb.

“I think [it should be] someone that DeBoer is comfortable with,” Finebaum said. “Listen, [DeBoer] is fully competent enough to call the plays. I’m not saying I’m advising that because when you’re coaching, especially at a job like Alabama, I think being the offensive play caller is a little tricky.

“I don’t have a great name. I’ve seen all the names mentioned and, Greg, I’ll defer to you. But, [he needs to look] for somebody that will employ his system and be his eyes and ears in the in the booth.”