The Seattle Seahawks Part Ways with Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb After One Season

A Surprising Move Following a Promising Season

The Seattle Seahawks made a significant move on Monday, parting ways with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb after just one season with the team. The decision, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, comes on the heels of a 2023 season that saw the Seahawks finish with a 10-7 record under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald. While the team showed flashes of potential, the offense struggled to find consistency, particularly in the run game, which was a key area of focus for the defensive-minded Macdonald.

A Season of Mixed Results for the Offense

The Seahawks’ offense under Grubb was a mix of highs and lows. The team ranked 21st in points per game (20.0), 14th in total offense (332.2 yards per game), and eighth in passing yards (236.5 yards per game). These numbers suggest that while the passing game showed promise, the offense as a whole was not as explosive as many had hoped. However, the real struggle came in the run game, where the Seahawks ranked 28th in rushing yards per game (95.7) and 17th in yards per carry (4.2). For a team that wanted to establish a strong ground game, these numbers were far from ideal.

Grubb’s Background and the Challenges He Faced

Ryan Grubb’s tenure with the Seahawks was his first stint as an NFL offensive coordinator. Prior to joining the team in February, Grubb had coached at the college level, following a path that included stops at Washington and Alabama. Grubb’s hiring was seen as a bit of a gamble, given his lack of NFL experience, but he was brought in to help revamp the Seahawks’ offense alongside offensive line coach Scott Huff. Despite the challenges, Grubb had the support of quarterback Geno Smith, who praised his coordinator’s passion and leadership.

Geno Smith’s Endorsement of Ryan Grubb

Geno Smith, who had a resurgent season in 2023, was one of Grubb’s strongest supporters. Following the Seahawks’ season-ending 30-25 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Smith gave a glowing endorsement of his playcaller. "I think Grubb is an excellent, excellent coordinator," Smith said. "Even better man. Our first year, obviously, there were some ups and downs, some things we can improve on. We’ll work hard to get those things fixed, but I believe in this system. I believe this is a really good system, and it’s going to be really good for a long time."

Smith’s comments highlighted the respect he had for Grubb, both as a coach and as a person. "I think Grubb has exactly what it takes to be a great coordinator in this league, and it’s his first year; you’ve got to give the guy some grace," Smith added. "He’s figuring things out too. I thought he did an outstanding job leading the group. I love the passion that he brings to the game, and he made me a better quarterback."

What’s Next for the Seahawks?

The decision to part ways with Grubb leaves the Seahawks in search of a new offensive coordinator. As the team looks to build on the progress made in Macdonald’s first season, the focus will be on finding a coordinator who can help the offense reach its full potential. The Seahawks’ offense showed flashes of brilliance, particularly through the air, but the struggles in the run game were a major concern. Whoever steps into the role will need to find a way to balance the passing and running games while maximizing the talents of the team’s playmakers.

A Season of Growth and Lessons Learned

While the Seahawks’ decision to move on from Grubb may come as a surprise, it’s a reminder of the high expectations in the NFL. Despite the challenges they faced, the team showed resilience and determination, finishing the season on a positive note with a win over the Rams. As the Seahawks look to the future, they’ll aim to build on the lessons learned from the 2023 season and take the next step in their journey under Mike Macdonald.

In the end, Ryan Grubb’s time with the Seahawks may have been short, but it’s clear that he made an impact on the players, particularly Geno Smith. As Grubb moves on to the next chapter of his coaching career, he’ll take with him the valuable experience gained from his first season in the NFL. For the Seahawks, the search for a new offensive coordinator is just the beginning of what promises to be an interesting offseason.