Robert Bala Named Defensive Coordinator at Western Michigan, Brings Strong Defensive Coaching Background

Former Alabama assistant coach Robert Bala is expected to be named the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan. The news was first reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel. Bala served as the linebackers coach at Alabama last season under head coach Nick Saban. He was not retained by new head coach Kalen DeBoer this offseason. He coached a linebacker core that was led by Deontae Lawson, who was a semifinalist of the Butkus Award. Before his one season at Alabama, Bala was an assistant at Liberty under head coach Hugh Freeze. He also served as the defensive coordinator at Southern Utah and...