Ryan Grubb isn’t the only coach trading Tuscaloosa, Ala., for Seattle this week.
New UW coach Jedd Fisch officially filled out his on-field staff Friday after hiring Robert Bala, who coached inside linebackers at Alabama in 2023, to lead the same position group for Washington next season.
Bala was previously announced as the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan on Feb. 1.
The Oceanside, Calif., native spent one season as part of Nick Saban’s coaching staff. Under Bala’s tutelage, linebackers Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell racked up 67 and 66 tackles, respectively, which ranked second and third on the team. Lawson added three sacks and Campbell had an interception and two fumble recoveries.
With Lawson and Campbell in the heart of the Crimson Tide defense, Alabama went 12-2 to win the Southeastern Conference before losing to eventual national champion Michigan in the Rose Bowl, 27-20. Alabama’s defense allowed just 19 points per game, 16th best in the nation.
With Lawson and Campbell in the heart of the Crimson Tide defense, Alabama went 12-2 to win the Southeastern Conference before losing to eventual national champion Michigan in the Rose Bowl, 27-20. Alabama’s defense allowed just 19 points per game, 16th best in the nation.
Bala wasn’t retained by incoming Alabama coach and former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer. He was replaced by former UW linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator William Inge, who followed DeBoer to Tuscaloosa.
