Kalen DeBoer is not wasting any time filling out his initial Alabama staff. DeBoer has plans for four of his on-field positions, according to a noted college football insider.

ESPN’s Chris Low, who broke the news of Saban’s retirement, shares that DeBoer plans to retain a pair of Alabama assistants while a trio of Washington staffers are expected to come to Tuscaloosa.

Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who announced that he will not be the next UW head coach, will reportedly take the same position at Alabama. Wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard is also expected to join Grubb and DeBoer in Tuscaloosa.

Tommy Rees was Alabama’s OC for 2023. Wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins left UA for a position at Texas A&M before Saban’s retirement.

Per Low, DeBoer is expected to retain veteran Alabama assistants Freddie Roach and Robert Gillespie. Roach, an Alabama alum, joined Saban’s staff in February 2020 as defensive line coach. Gillespie has been the Crimson Tide’s running backs coach since January 2021.

As was previously reported, Jerrett MeElwain, son of former Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, is also expected to follow DeBoer from Seattle. With plenty of other positions to fill, we could be hearing about more Tide assistants being retained or Washington staffers coming to Tuscaloosa.

Kalen DeBoer’s staff at @AlabamaFTBL is continuing to take shape. Ryan Grubb (OC), JaMarcus Shephard (WR) and Jerret McElwain (director of scouting) expected to follow DeBoer from Washington. Freddie Roach (DL) and Robert Gillespie (RB) expected to be retained.

— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) January 14, 2024

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.