ILB coach Robert Bala says goodbye to Alabama after not being retained
Inside linebackers coach Robert Bala will not be on Alabama’s staff in 2024.
On Thursday, Bala confirmed via Twitter that he will not be retained by new Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer. Bala was hired last offseason by now-retired coach Nick Saban.
“Thankful for the opportunity. It’s been real, will always rock with #RollTide,” Bala tweeted.
Bala coached Alabama’s inside linebackers this past season. Deontae Lawson finished second on the team in tackles with 67 despite missing three games due to injury. Jihaad Campbell and Trezmen Marshall split time at the other inside ‘backer spot and combined to make 122 tackles during the 2023 campaign. Lawson and Campbell have both said they’re returning.
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Bala came to Alabama after one season at Liberty. He was set to remain with the Flames and move into a new role as linebackers coach, but with Austin Armstrong moving on to Florida to serve as the Gators’ defensive coordinator, the Tide needed a new linebackers coach.
Prior to Liberty, Bala spent 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.
Bala joins offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tommy Rees, offensive line coach Eric Wolford and tight ends coach Joe Cox in not being retained by DeBoer. Running backs coach Robert Gillespie and defensive line coach Freddie Roach are returning to Alabama.
For a full rundown of the Crimson Tide’s coaching movement, check out BOL’s Staff Tracker.
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