SEC Updates: Alabama Loses One to the NFL, Kentucky Is Pursuing an OC.
Georgia’s 2024 class appears to be complete with the inclusion of Stanford tight end Benjamin Yurosek. The focus for the team now shifts to spring practice. Meanwhile, across the SEC, teams are still finalizing their coaching staffs, with some experiencing losses. News emerged that Ryan Grubb, former Washington offensive coordinator, who had followed Kalen DeBoer from Seattle to Tuscaloosa to become Alabama’s OC, has taken the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator position, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Pete Thamel on Friday, January 6, 2024.
This development leaves Alabama without an offensive coordinator as they approach the commencement of spring practices. Adding to the setback, a report from the Seattle Times suggests that the Seahawks delayed announcing the hire to allow the 30-day window for Alabama players to enter the transfer portal to pass. If this speculation holds true, it could cast a negative light on DeBoer’s program even before he has coached a game, and opposing coaches might exploit this information on the recruiting trail.
In Lexington, the Kentucky Wildcats are actively pursuing a new offensive coordinator, with ESPN’s Pete Thamel reporting their interest in Boise State OC Bush Hamdan. Hamdan, with coaching experience at Florida, Washington, and the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, was most recently in the SEC from 2020-2022, serving as Missouri’s QB coach. He is set to join forces with former Georgia quarterback Brock Vandagriff, who transferred to Kentucky after the 2023 season.
