CEDAR CITY, Utah -- The Southern Utah football program, and head coach Demario Warren, have announced the coaching staff changes made to the defensive side of the ball ahead of the upcoming 2020 campaign.  

Robert Bala has been promoted to the team's defensive coordinator, and will also coach Southern Utah's safeties. 

Bala joined the Thunderbirds ahead of the 2018 season. He started his career at SUU as the cornerbacks coach, and took on the role of co-special teams coordinator in 2019. Bala coached the safeties at Ottawa University in Arizona before making the transition to Southern Utah. 

Uani 'Unga has been promoted to a full-time assistant coach, and will primarily work with the linebackers, along with serving as a recruiting coordinator for the Thunderbirds. He will share linebacker responsibilities with Solomona Tapasa. Tapasa will coach the outside linebackers, while Unga will coach inside linebackers. Tapasa will also serve as the team's academic coordinator, helping the student-athletes focus on their academics. 

Patrick Henderson has joined the coaching staff as the team's cornerbacks coach. This will be Henderson's first season with the Thunderbirds. 

Southern Utah is scheduled to open up their season on September 5, as they'll play host to regional rival Dixie State. 

Keep tabs on the Thunderbirds all year by following @SUUFB on Twitter and Instagram and by liking the Southern Utah Football page on Facebook.

Season tickets for the 2020 Thunderbird football campaign can be purchased online at www.tbirdtickets.com. 

Southern Utah Football Defensive Staff

Ryan Hunt - Associate Head Coach/Defensive Line Coach

Robert Bala - Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach

Solomona Tapasa - O/S Linebacker Coach/Academic Coordinator 

Uani 'Unga - Linebacker Coach/Recruiting Coordinator-Player Personnel

Patrick Henderson - Cornerback Coach 

Guillermo Fierro - Defensive Graduate Assistant