OU Cornerbacks Coach Jay Valai Targeted for NFL Job

Buffalo Bills interested in Valai for defensive backs coaching role

Feb. 1, 2026 at 9:47am

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Oklahoma cornerbacks coach Jay Valai, who also serves as associate head coach for defense and co-defensive coordinator, has been targeted by the Buffalo Bills for a defensive backs coaching job. Valai has been with the Sooners for the past four seasons and has helped improve the team's defense during that time.

Why it matters

Valai's potential departure would be a significant loss for the Oklahoma football program, as he has played a key role in the team's defensive success over the past two seasons. His departure could impact the development of young defensive backs like Eli Bowen and Courtland Guillory, who have emerged as starters under Valai's tutelage.

The details

According to a report from CBS Sports' Matt Zentiz, the Buffalo Bills have targeted Valai for a defensive backs coaching job. Valai previously coached at Texas, Alabama, Rutgers, and was an assistant defensive backs coach with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018 before joining Brent Venables' staff at Oklahoma in late 2021. Valai's work with the Sooners' defense has been recognized, as he recently received a contract extension and raise from the university.

  • Valai has been with the Sooners for the past four seasons.
  • In 2024, true freshman cornerback Eli Bowen earned a starting role on the defense.
  • Last season, true freshman Courtland Guillory became an immediate starter and significant contributor on an OU defense that ranked inside the top 15 nationally in most statistics.
  • Valai recently received a contract extension and $35,000 raise, bringing his annual salary to $765,000. His contract runs through Jan. 31, 2027.

The players

Jay Valai

Oklahoma's cornerbacks coach, associate head coach for defense, and co-defensive coordinator who has helped improve the team's defense over the past two seasons.

Eli Bowen

True freshman cornerback who earned a starting role on the Oklahoma defense in 2024.

Courtland Guillory

True freshman cornerback who became an immediate starter and significant contributor on the Oklahoma defense last season.

Brent Venables

Oklahoma's head football coach, who hired Valai to his staff in late 2021.

Buffalo Bills

NFL team that has targeted Valai for a defensive backs coaching job.

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What they’re saying

“The #Bills are targeting Oklahoma assistant head coach for defense/co-DC Jay Valai for a defensive backs coach job, sources tell @CBSSports.”

— Matt Zenitz, CBS Sports Reporter

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