Former Alabama assistant Robert Bala’s next coaching stop is reportedly in the MAC.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel shared Tuesday, per sources, that Bala is being hired as Western Michigan’s new defensive coordinator.

Bala joined the Alabama coaching staff in 2023. He served as inside linebackers for Nick Saban’s final season, working with Deontae Lawson, Jihaad Campbell, Trezmen Marshall and others.

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The Western Michigan gig will be Bala’s first opportunity as a coordinator in the FBS ranks. He has previously been a coordinator at FCS Southern Utah and Palmorar College, a California CC program.

Bala has over 15 seasons of coaching experience. His previous stops include Liberty, the University of Arizona and the NFL’s Oakland Raiders. He has coached linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties.

Earlier this month, Bala indicated his departure, posting on social media that he was thankful for his time in Tuscaloosa.