The relationship between Alabama football’s Ryan Grubb and Nick Sheridan has the potential to be awkward. Grubb, who recently joined as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator, took that job and playcalling duties from Sheridan, who ran the offense in 2024 after Grubb initially took the job when Kalen DeBoer replaced Nick Saban, before heading back to Seattle to join the NFL’s Seahawks.

Sheridan remains on staff for the Tide under Grubb, retaining quarterbacks coach duties and a co-OC title. And, given what Grubb told reporters Wednesday about their relationship, there doesn’t seem to be any animosity.

“Nick being there is obviously a huge advantage to me just because it gives me the flexibility to be in the rooms that I need to be in and talk to the people I gotta talk to,” Grubb said. “So, I think that part for me has been awesome already. That way, if another position group or a coach needs help, I can move myself into that room and try to utilize my skills with the offense somewhere else. But most of the time, it’s always gonna be with the quarterbacks. I think that relationship is key.”

Grubb worked as quarterbacks coach as well as offensive coordinator at Washington. Sheridan coached tight ends before getting the promotion at Alabama.

DeBoer said Monday that he expected Grubb to gravitate toward the quarterbacks in practice, with Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell competing for the job. The new OC agreed on Wednesday.

“I always think it’s gotta start with the quarterback room,” Grubb said. “If I don’t have a relationship with the guys throwing the ball or in the huddle on Saturdays, I think that I’d be putting Alabama at a disadvantage. So, I always gotta be on the same page with those guys, in sync.”

Before focusing on quarterbacks, Grubb was an offensive line coach early in his career. When he briefly joined Alabama in 2024, former Washington OL coach Scott Huff came along, but Huff also joined the Seahawks.

Chris Kapilovic took over and remains in the role for the Crimson Tide. Grubb also discussed that relationship on Wednesday.

“It’s been great,” Grubb said. “Kap does a great job. I think sometimes when guys are — they don’t know how to take that when an OC has at least some background in offensive line, they’re gonna be infringing on them. But I think Kap does a great job of just being open and thinking about the things that can help the unit and my perspective on the offense that can potentially help him out. So, it’s been great.”

Alabama continues spring practice through April 12, when it will play the A-Day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.