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Alabama officially announces hiring of new LBs coach to Nick Saban’s staff
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Alabama has announced a new hire to Nick Saban’s staff for the 2023 season.
On Friday, the program officially introduced Robert Bala as the new inside linebackers coach for the Crimson Tide. Bala comes to Tuscaloosa after serving as a defensive analyst for Liberty during the 2022 season and accepting a post to be the LBs coach for the Flames in 2023.
“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. “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.”
Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama, @CoachRobertBala!
?: https://t.co/2vDbanzdz5#RollTide pic.twitter.com/GWxc5TqZQV
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) March 3, 2023
Bala brings with him 15 years of experience across coaching stops with the Oakland Raiders, Southern Utah, Ottawa University of Arizona, Palomar College and Snow Junior College.
“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.”
Outlook for Alabama’s defensive coaching staff
Following the departure of DC and inside LBs coach Pete Golding to Ole Miss, Nick Saban had to revamp his coaching staff a bit. To fill those posts, Saban landed Kevin Steele to serve as the DC while Bala will coach inside LBs for the Crimson Tide.
Coleman Hutzler (OLBs), Freddie Roach (DL) and Travaris Robinson (CBs) all return to their posts for 2023, so Alabama should still be in decent shape. Alabama finished the 2022 season 9th nationally while allowing 18.2 points per game and will try to replicte similar success in 2023.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
