David Ballou - Director, Sports Performance - Staff Directory

Staff Directory

David Ballou

Title:
Director, Sports Performance
Phone:
205-348-3600

Personal Information

Hometown: Avon, Ind.
Education: Indiana, 2001
Spouse: Leah
Children: Mallory, Aubrey
Birthday: February 22

Coaching Experience

2020-present: Alabama
2018-19: Indiana
2017: Notre Dame
2015-16: IMG Academy
2002-14: Avon [Ind.] HS

Regarded as one of the best in his field, David Ballou joined the Alabama program in March of 2020. Now in his sixth year with the Crimson Tide, Ballou brings a scientific, data-driven approach to UA's tradition of hard work and commitment. Over his career, he has worked with 20 first-round picks and more than 80 current players in the National Football League.

Alabama - Director of Sports Performance (2020-Present)

Came to Alabama at the beginning of 2020
Implements head coach Kalen DeBoer's offseason regimen, still known as the "Fourth Quarter Program"
Works in unison with the Crimson Tide's sports medicine and performance nutrition departments to create a high-performance model focused on maximizing genetic potential
Has developed two Heisman Trophy winners and a Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line in addition to winners of the Maxwell, Walter Camp, Unitas Golden Arm, Davey O'Brien, Paul Hornung, Biletnikoff, Doak Walker, Outland and Rimington awards/trophies
Helped Alabama to three SEC Championships and College Football Playoff berths in 2020, 2021 and 2023, including the 2020 national championship
Oversees Alabama's 37,000-square-foot weight room, which was renovated in the spring of 2023 with cutting edge technology, including:
- EliteForm 3D camera systems
- A full line of 1080 Spring equipment
- 30 custom racks with level-surface platforms for enhanced safety
- A dedicated sports science space housing state-of-the-art human performance technology
- Integrated performance nutrition center, physician offices, and strength and conditioning offices

Indiana - Director of Athletic Performance (2018-20)

Spent two seasons at Indiana
Helped the Hoosiers to an 8-5 record and Gator Bowl appearance in 2019 - the program's first Florida bowl game and best win total since 1993
Under his guidance, a total of 11 Hoosiers earned All-Big Ten honors in 2019
Developed four future NFL players, including Wes Martin, a fourth-round pick by Washington

Notre Dame - Co-Director of Football Strength and Conditioning (2017)

In his lone season in South Bend, helped turn a 4-8 team into a 10-3 squad with a Citrus Bowl win over LSU
Contributed to the development of a Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line for the Fighting Irish
Worked with four future NFL draft picks, including two top-10 selections in Quenton Nelson (No. 6 overall) and Mike McGlinchey (No. 9 overall)

IMG Academy - Head Football Strength Coach (2015-16)

Led IMG's strength program during two undefeated seasons in 2015 and 2016
Helped IMG finished ranked No. 7 nationally in 2015 and No. 4 one year later in ‘16
Coached double-digit players who would eventually go on to prosper in the NFL

Avon High School - Strength and Conditioning Coach (2002-14)

Oversaw a highly successful high school program that captured six state championships and reached the finals seven additional times across multiple sports
Helped develop 80 Division I athletes
Selected as a finalist for the NSCA National High School Strength Coach of the Year in 2014

Personal Info

Received his bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Indiana University in 2001
Played fullback for the Hoosiers from 1997-99 and was named the Hoosier Strength Challenge Champion
Earned his master's degree in human movement from A.T. Still University in 2009
Native of Avon, Ind.
Married to the former Leah Horn, a pole vaulter at IU and Bloomington native
Has two daughters, Mallory and Aubrey