Kalen DeBoer’s longtime offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is leaving Washington, Grubb announced on Saturday evening.

The move comes hours after DeBoer was introduced as the 28th head football coach in Alabama football history. DeBoer said he hoped to have his staff in place quickly and confirmed it would have “a touch of” his old stomping grounds in Seattle.

“THIS IS ALL LOVE. THOUGH I WANTED TO BE I WILL NOT BE THE NEXT HEAD COACH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A DREAM TO STAY HERE AND FIGHT TO MAINTAIN THE STANDARD THAT HAD BEEN REESTABLISHED. I SHOWED UP EVERY DAY EARLY AND STAYED LATE GLADLY TO FIGHT FOR MY FAMILY…..AND WITH TEARS IN MY EYES I KNOW MY LAST DAY IN HUSKY STADIUM HAS COME,” Grubb posted via notes app on Twitter.

Grubb had been reported to possibly replace DeBoer — who brought Grubb and others over from Fresno State to Washington two years ago — by outlets as late as Saturday morning. But rumors also continued about Grubb potentially following DeBoer to Tuscaloosa as offensive coordinator, a position Nick Saban sought Grubb for a year ago.

Grubb, who linked with DeBoer at The University of Sioux Falls, was his offensive line coach at Eastern Michigan and Fresno State, eventually becoming the Bulldogs’ offensive coordinator. At Washington, Grubb, DeBoer and star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. produced one of the best passing attacks in the country.

Washington was 73rd in passing offense before their arrival, improving to first (369.8 yards per game). Penix set the UW single-season record with 4,641 yards through the air.

“Certainly have a strong feeling of what I like to do. Don’t want to get too much into that. I think it’ll happen, in some capacity, quicker here in the next day or so, the next 24 hours,” DeBoer said when asked about filling out his staff.

In addition to Saban, multiple UA coaches from the 2023 season have already found new jobs. Hours before DeBoer’s official press conference, Travaris Robinson bounced for Kirby Smart and Georgia.

Former Washington general manager Courtney Morgan departed the plane in Tuscaloosa with DeBoer and his family on Friday night. DeBoer said is already using his recruiting contacts with Tide players.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].