What Is 2016 North Alabama Lions football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 North Alabama Lions football team represented the University of North Alabama in the NCAA Division II season, finishing with a 9-3 record under head coach Bobby Wallace and advancing to the NCAA playoffs for the first time since 2005.

Key Facts

Finished the 2016 season with a 9-3 overall record
Won the Gulf South Conference (GSC) championship with a 7-1 conference record
Advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs, losing in the second round to Colorado School of Mines
Head coach Bobby Wallace led the team in his fifth season
Played home games at Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Alabama

Overview

The 2016 North Alabama Lions football team represented the University of North Alabama in the NCAA Division II football season. Competing as a member of the Gulf South Conference (GSC), the Lions posted one of the most successful seasons in program history, revitalizing the storied football tradition at the school.

Under the leadership of head coach Bobby Wallace, the team achieved a 9-3 overall record and a dominant 7-1 mark in conference play. Their performance secured the GSC championship and earned them a berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs, their first postseason appearance since 2005.

9-3 overall record: The Lions won nine games in a season for the first time since 2007, marking a significant turnaround from previous years.
Gulf South Conference champions: Their 7-1 conference record was the best in the GSC, edging out rivals like West Georgia and Mississippi College.
NCAA playoff appearance: Qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs, defeating Carson-Newman 38-21 in the first round before falling to Colorado School of Mines 34-20 in the second round.
Bobby Wallace in his fifth season: Head coach Wallace, a former NFL assistant, continued rebuilding the program after returning to UNA in 2012.
Braly Municipal Stadium: The Lions played all home games at the historic 14,000-seat stadium in Florence, Alabama, a venue with over 60 years of football tradition.

How It Works

The 2016 season operated under standard NCAA Division II rules and conference scheduling, with the Lions competing in a structured 10-game regular season followed by potential postseason play.

Regular season structure: The Lions played a 10-game schedule, with seven games against GSC opponents and three non-conference matchups to build their playoff resume.
Conference championship qualification: Teams are ranked by conference win percentage, and the Lions’ 7-1 record earned them the top spot in the GSC standings.
NCAA playoff selection: The top eight teams in each of the four NCAA DII regions qualify; North Alabama earned the No. 7 seed in Super Region 2.
Home-field advantage: Braly Stadium hosted playoff games when the Lions were seeded higher, drawing over 8,000 fans for the first-round victory.
Recruiting and roster: The team relied on a mix of junior college transfers and local high school talent, with over 40% of the roster from Alabama.
Coaching strategy: Offensive coordinator Brent Dearmon implemented a fast-paced, spread attack that averaged 37.2 points per game, the highest in the GSC.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2016 North Alabama Lions compared to other top Gulf South Conference teams and recent UNA seasons:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Playoff Result	Points Per Game
North Alabama (2016)	9-3	7-1	Second Round	37.2
West Georgia (2016)	7-4	5-3	First Round	31.8
Mississippi College (2016)	6-5	5-3	Did not qualify	28.4
North Alabama (2015)	4-7	3-5	Did not qualify	24.1
North Alabama (2007)	10-3	6-1	Quarterfinals	33.5

The 2016 season marked a dramatic improvement over the previous year’s 4-7 record. The Lions outscored opponents by nearly 13 points per game and led the GSC in total offense. Their playoff run, though cut short, signaled a return to national relevance for the program.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a pivotal moment in North Alabama football history, symbolizing a resurgence after years of mediocrity and setting the stage for future success.

Program momentum: The playoff appearance boosted recruiting, with UNA signing its highest-rated class in 2017 since the early 2000s.
Community engagement: Average home attendance increased by 18% compared to 2015, reflecting renewed local interest in the team.
Coaching validation: Bobby Wallace’s rebuilding efforts were recognized, earning him GSC Coach of the Year honors.
Transition implications: The success preceded UNA’s eventual move to Division I FCS in 2018, proving the program could compete at a high level.
Player development: Quarterback Hayden Hollingsworth threw for 2,841 yards and 27 touchdowns, earning All-GSC First Team honors.
Historical context: It was the Lions’ best season since 2007 and their first undefeated conference season since 1996.

The 2016 North Alabama Lions not only restored pride in the football program but also demonstrated that sustained success was possible even in the competitive landscape of Division II football.