According to multiple reports, Liberty linebackers coach Robert Bala is expected to be named to the same position at Alabama. Bala would replace Austin Armstrong who recently left Alabama to become the new defensive coordinator at Florida.
Bala joined Liberty prior to the 2022 season under previous head coach Hugh Freeze as a defensive analyst. Following the coaching change, Bala was retained and promoted by new Liberty head coach Jamey Chadwell where he was set to be the linebackers coach for the 2023 season. Bala was an on-field defensive assistant for Liberty in the 2022 Boca Raton Bowl following several members of Liberty’s coaching staff joining Freeze at Auburn.
Prior to his time in Lynchburg, Bala was at Southern Utah dating back to the 2018 season. In addition to coaching the corners, safeties, and linebackers, Bala was also the defensive coordinator at SUU beginning in 2020. His knowledge of Hugh Freeze’s offense at Auburn, Alabama’s primary rival, certainly played a factor in him being linked to Alabama.
Coach Chadwell will now have to replace Bala on Liberty’s defensive staff just a few months after finalizing the position coaches. The Flames are set to begin spring practice March 9.
