And Ryan Grubb really puts his foot in his mouth
Yesterday, the Alabama Crimson Tide coaching staff had their weekly press conferences, and it was a tidy, terse thirty five minutes where they came one after another to the podium, gave us 12 minutes, and then departed.
And, if we’re being honest, it wasn’t their best moment in front of the camera either.
You had Ryan Grubb not understanding that fans were boing him and not players, while at the same time labeling Alabama fans “your fans.” This othering omits the fact “your fans” pay his $1.4m salary. He comes across as a thin-skinned prick who is reluctantly and begrudgingly in Tuscaloosa, with no connection to Alabama.
Before the sun went down, Grubb was having to walk those comments back. And then he was as authentic as Brian Kelly affecting a Texas drawl.
“My passion for The University of Alabama football team runs deep…my commitment to this program is rivaled only by my brothers who I lock arms with every day,” Grubb wrote. “I will always back my players…always. I normally speak very directly and don’t cut words. That said — I should have worded my statement today more carefully. This is a special place with an incredible fanbase that all of us are thankful for. I have been spoiled by our great fans who are a sense of inspiration for our players. I let my loyalty and passion for my players affect my choice of words and offend some people that I certainly would have never intended to — the Crimson Tide faithful — and for that I apologize. I look forward to moving on and giving everyone something to cheer about! It’s a blessing to be here at Alabama. I truly appreciate everyone and am looking forward to a great Saturday. Again, my sincere apologies…and ROLL TIDE!!!
I’m tempted to say just stick with being a prick; we know that’s the real Grubb.
Then you had Kane Wommack not addressing the bugaboo in the FSU game — awful tackling. Since Wommack has arrived, the Tide have been woeful at the most fundamental part of playing defense: getting the other guy to the ground. I stopped counting on Saturday at 17 missed tackles.
Injury updates, history lessons, players dismissed and more. Here are all three pressers.
Quick programming note: I have chemo at 7:30 this morning. It takes a few hours to get checked in, get labs done, pre-chemo IVs, etc. When I’m done with that stuff, we’ll have the morning links section for you. See you mid-morning, Roll Tide
Ssssuuuuurrreeee. That’s why you didn’t leave for Seattle Seahawks right after saying “I am the OC of the Crimson Tide”.
There are certain things that CKW has done that has really improved the defense over the last few years. However, I don’t care what personnel or scheme you have, if players can’t tackle it won’t amount to jack shit.
@#refund@
Some things are better left in the locker room, Ryan.
I really didn’t see a problem with Grubb’s comment in the first place. I think he understands he needs to improve. And if he does, his unit does. I hope he comes to love Tuscaloosa because of the passion the fans have for the team.
I don’t have a problem with responding to fans.
I do have a problem with:
1. continuing to pretend the boos were directed at players rather than him.
2. Calling Alabama fans “your fans.”
It speaks to a man who can’t take criticism and does not have the extra buy-in required to coach college ball. Want a world of Xs and Os only, fuck the fans, fuck the city? Go back to the NFL.
I can agree with that. Funny thing though, if he were to embrace and own it, he might find he actually enjoys the place.
Grubb is just biding his time until something comes along to move him back north/west. Im ok with that. Just so long as we get Aoki up to speed because I think he’s the future.
Yup. First job up there, he’s gone. Wazzu might be open at this rate by Christmas.