Washington adds former Alabama linebackers coach to round out staff

The Washington Huskies hired a linebackers coach with an extensive resumé to round out the coaching staff.

After close to a month on the job, Jedd Fisch has finally completed the Washington Huskies’ coaching staff for the 2024 season with the addition of former Alabama linebackers coach Robert Bala. He makes the move to Montlake after spending the 2023 season with Nick Saban and brings a length resumé to Washington.

Before his time in Tuscaloosa, Bala worked all over college football with a stop in the NFL as well. He interned with the Oakland Raiders and also acted as the defensive coordinator at Southern Utah for multiple seasons.

Following his stint with the Thunderbirds, Bala acted as a defensive analyst at Liberty University before being hired by Saban. After he retired and Kalen DeBoer was selected to succeed him, the former Washington coach opted not to retain Bala while putting together his staff.

“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 following his hire. “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.”