Official: Alabama Hires Robert Bala as Linebackers Coach
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — After reports earlier in the week, Liberty linebackers coach Robert Bala is officially hired by Alabama to serve in the same position the school announced Friday afternoon.
“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,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said in a press release. “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.”
Earlier ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Bala had been targeted for the position and had interviewed at Alabama to replace Austin Armstrong, who left to become the new defensive coordinator for Billy Napier at Florida.
"When you talk about college football tradition and prestige, it doesn't get any better than The University of Alabama and Coach Saban," Bala said. "Alabama is the standard in college football, and I am humbled to have the opportunity contribute to this program and coach the talented young men who play here.”
Bala joined Liberty's staff in 2022, serving under then-head coach Hugh Freeze. He primarily served as a defensive analyst working with the Flames safeties before becoming the team's linebackers coach.
Last season, Liberty was the top-ranked team in the country in tackles for loss, averaging 9.3 per game. The Flames were also No. 3 in sacks, averaging 3.46 per game. Between the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Liberty doubled its turnover total as well.
Before coaching at Liberty, Bala spent the four previous seasons at Southern Utah, where he served the team in three different units: cornerbacks, linebackers and safeties. He served as the team's defensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021 before leaving to take the job at Liberty.
Bala also coached at Ottawa University Arizona from 2017-18, Palomar College from 2011-16 and Snow College from 2009-10. He also served as a linebacker and special teams intern with the then-Oakland Raiders in 2014.
See Also:
Alabama Linebackers Coach Austin Armstrong Being Pursued by SEC Rival
Taking a Deep Dive on the Alabama Football Spring Roster: All Things CW
Recruiting Rundown: Should Defensive Line be a Priority in 2024?
2024 4-Star ATH Aaron Butler Lists Alabama Among Top Five Schools
