Former Alabama LB coach Robert Bala lands defensive coordinator job

Originally posted on Touchdown Alabama Magazine
By Patrick Dowd | Last updated Jan 30, 2024 10:49 PM ET

After not being retained on Kalen DeBoer’s staff, former Alabama linebackers coach Robert Bala has landed a defensive coordinator job at Western Michigan according to a report from ESPN.

Sources: Western Michigan is hiring former Alabama assistant coach Robert Bala as the school’s new defensive coordinator. Bala is a veteran coach with stops at Liberty, Arizona and in the NFL.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 31, 2024

Bala was hired by former Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban last February and brought a total of 15 years of coaching experience with stops with the Oakland Raiders, Southern Utah, Ottawa University of Arizona, Palomar College and Snow Junior College. He also has previous experience as a defensive coordinator while at Southern Utah and Palomar.

“Robert is a smart young coach who has paid his dues across all levels of college football and we are excited to add him to our staff,” Saban said back when Bala was hired. “He has a wealth of experience and a proven track record of developing football players both on and off the field. He is an excellent teacher, an excellent recruiter and coaches with great passion and enthusiasm.”

This article first appeared on Touchdown Alabama Magazine and was syndicated with permission.

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