Billy Napier announces hiring of Robert Bala as inside linebackers coach, co-DC

Billy Napier formally announced the addition of Robert Bala to the Florida coaching staff on Monday.

Bala’s hiring was reported on Feb. 5. On Monday, he was officially named inside linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator.

I’m excited about Coach Bala joining our staff,” Billy Napier said in a released statement. “He loves the game of football and brings passion and detail at every opportunity. He is a great teacher and has a great understanding of the big picture. He will help the Gators continue to improve.

Bala also coached inside linebackers at Washington in 2024, his only season with the Huskies. He has SEC experience, coaching inside linebackers on Nick Saban‘s Alabama staff in 2023.

In a released statement, Bala also thanked Ron Roberts, the veteran defensive coordinator who joined the Florida staff last year.

I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to join the University of Florida football program,” Robert Bala said. “Thank you to Coach Napier, Coach Roberts and the rest of the staff. I can’t wait to start working with these great players and make Gator Nation proud.

Bala has 16 seasons of coaching experience, with other stops including Liberty (2022, defensive analyst), Southern Utah (2018-21, defensive coordinator, cornerbacks, linebackers) and the Oakland Raiders (2014, intern).

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.