OU Football CB Coach Jay Valai Top Target for Buffalo Bills Opening

Sooners working to keep Valai after contract renewal and raise

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:55am

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The Buffalo Bills are targeting Oklahoma cornerbacks coach Jay Valai for a defensive backs coach job, according to a report from CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz. Valai, who arrived in Norman with Brent Venables in 2022, had his contract renewed through 2026 and received a $35,000 raise to $785,000 annually. The Sooners are working to keep Valai, who has been instrumental in the development of star cornerbacks Eli Bowen and Courtland Guillory.

Why it matters

Valai's potential departure would be only the second defensive assistant to leave during Venables' tenure as Oklahoma's head coach, following former defensive coordinator Zac Alley's move to West Virginia last offseason. Keeping Valai is a priority for the Sooners as they look to maintain continuity on the defensive side of the ball.

The details

Valai's name has also been linked to an opening at Notre Dame, but reports indicate the Irish are turning elsewhere. The former All-Big Ten defensive back played at Wisconsin, like new Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, and worked under Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Chris Ash during his time with the Badgers.

  • On Friday, Valai's contract was renewed through the 2026 season and he received a $35,000 raise.

The players

Jay Valai

Oklahoma's cornerbacks coach, assistant head coach for defense, co-defensive coordinator, pass defense coordinator, and cornerbacks and nickelbacks coach.

Brent Venables

Oklahoma's head football coach, who brought Valai to Norman in 2022.

Zac Alley

Former Oklahoma defensive coordinator who left for West Virginia last offseason.

Eli Bowen

Star Oklahoma cornerback whose development Valai has been instrumental in.

Courtland Guillory

Star Oklahoma cornerback whose development Valai has been instrumental in.

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What they’re saying

“The Buffalo Bills are targeting Oklahoma cornerbacks coach Jay Valai for a defensive backs coach job, according to a report Sunday from CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz.”

— Matt Zenitz, CBS Sports Reporter

What’s next

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The takeaway

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