Report: Western Michigan set to hire Robert Bala as defensive coordinator

Western Michigan is set to hire Robert Bala as its defensive coordinator, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Tuesday. Bala spent this past season as the inside linebackers coach at Alabama but was not retained as part of Kalen DeBoer’s new staff.

Bala coached a inside linebackers group this past season led by Deontae Lawson, who ranked second on the team with 67 tackles. Jihaad Campbell and Trezmen Marshall split time at the other inside ‘backer spot and combined to make 122 tackles during the 2023 campaign. The Crimson Tide ranked 33rd in rushing yards allowed per game and 16th in points allowed per game on their way to a College Football Playoff appearance.

Prior to joining the Alabama coaching staff, Bala was a defensive analyst at Liberty in 2022. He helped the Flames finish first in the country in tackles for loss per game (9.3) and third in sacks per game (3.46). He was set to be promoted to linebackers coach before getting the call from the Crimson Tide.

Bala’s other experience includes four seasons at Southern Utah (2018-21), where he worked with three different defensive units (cornerbacks, linebackers and safeties). He also served as the defensive coordinator during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Bala spent time at Ottawa University Arizona (2017-18), Palomar College (2011-16) and Snow College (2009-10) and served as a linebacker/special teams intern with the Oakland Raiders for the 2014 season.

Western Michigan is coming off of a 4-8 finish in the first year under coach Lance Taylor. Robert Bala will inherit a defense that ranked 109th in points allowed per game (31.8) and 86th in total defense, so he’ll certainly have his work cut out for him.

Kentucky hires former Alabama offensive line coach Eric Wolford

A familiar face is returning to Lexington. On Thursday, Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones reported the Wildcats are parting ways with offensive line coach Zach Yenser and replacing him with Eric Wolford, who was the program’s O-line coach in 2021.

In Wolford’s lone season leading Kentucky’s front five, UK’s offense ranked No. 5 in success rate, No. 15 in points per drive, and No. 21 in yards per play. Wolford coached Luke Fortner and Darian Kinnard, who both were draft picks.

The 52-year-old coach didn’t stick around Kentucky for long. After spending one season under Mark Stoops, Wolford accepted a job as Alabama’s offensive line coach. Wolford spent the past two seasons there, working with offensive coordinators Bill O’Brien and Tommy Rees.