Bills Targeting Oklahoma's Co-Defensive Coordinator as DBs Coach

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The Buffalo Bills are reportedly targeting Oklahoma assistant head coach for defense and co-defensive coordinator Jay Valai to fill their vacant defensive backs coach position. Valai has a strong resume, including coaching stints at several top college programs and in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs. His work with the Oklahoma defense last season, which helped the Sooners make the College Football Playoff, has caught the attention of the Bills as they look to bolster their secondary.

Why it matters

The Bills are looking to strengthen their defensive coaching staff under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Valai's experience and success in developing defensive backs could be a valuable addition as the Bills look to improve their pass defense and continue their success on that side of the ball.

The details

After Jahmile Addae left the Bills' defensive backs coach position to join the Miami Dolphins, the team is targeting Jay Valai, Oklahoma's assistant head coach for defense and co-defensive coordinator, to fill the role. Valai has a strong resume, having coached at several top college programs including Georgia, Rutgers, Texas, and Alabama, as well as a stint in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. Last season, Valai helped the Oklahoma defense rank 6th nationally in total defense, allowing just 272.5 yards per game. The Sooners were particularly stingy against the pass, allowing a 59% completion rate and just 195.2 passing yards per game.

• In 2025, the Oklahoma defense under Valai's guidance ranked 6th nationally in total defense.
• Jahmile Addae left the Bills' defensive backs coach position to join the Miami Dolphins in 2026.

What’s next

The Bills will need to finalize their negotiations with Valai and bring him on board as their new defensive backs coach, as they look to solidify their coaching staff for the upcoming season.