HC Billy Napier is wasting no time putting his stamp on the James Madison program. And he’s doing it by bringing along one of his most trusted lieutenants from his Florida days. JMU is set to hire Robert Bala as defensive coordinator under the new coach, per CBS Sports.

Bala served as co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach under Napier at Florida during the 2025 season before new Gators head coach Jon Sumrall chose not to retain him on his staff. The move reunites Napier with a defensive mind he trusted enough to promote to co-DC in Gainesville. It also gives JMU a coach with serious Power Four experience and a pedigree that includes working under Nick Saban.

Bala’s resume is what makes this hire so intriguing for James Madison. Before joining Napier at Florida, Bala coach

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