Florida finalizes hiring of Robert Bala as co-defensive coordinator

The Florida Gators are in the process of hiring Washington inside linebackers coach Robert Bala as their co-defensive coordinator and linebacker coach. Bala, who previously coached at Alabama and spent the 2024 season at Washington, will be tasked with developing Florida's inside linebacker unit and providing support to defensive coordinator Ron Roberts. The Gators also interviewed Tim Skipper for a similar off-field analyst role but have since decided to finalize the hiring of Bala. This move comes as part of Florida's efforts to boost its defensive staff ahead of the 2025 season, as they return promising underclassmen in their linebacker unit. Bala has extensive coaching experience, including roles in the NFL and various college programs, which he brings to Florida's coaching staff. The Gators are not expected to make further staff changes despite multiple coaches having expiring contracts.