OU Hires Michigan's LaMar Morgan as Defensive Backs Coach

Morgan brings experience from Louisiana, Vanderbilt, and Houston to the Sooners' secondary

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The University of Oklahoma has hired LaMar Morgan, previously the defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach at the University of Michigan, as its new defensive backs coach. Morgan replaces Jay Valai, who left OU to join the Buffalo Bills' coaching staff.

Why it matters

The hire of Morgan is an important move for the Sooners as they look to strengthen their defensive secondary after the departure of Valai. Morgan's experience coaching defensive backs at several Division I programs should help OU improve its pass defense and develop talented players in the defensive backfield.

The details

Morgan spent the past two seasons at Michigan, where he served as the defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. Prior to that, he was the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at the University of Louisiana for two years. He has also coached defensive backs at Vanderbilt and Houston earlier in his career.

  • LaMar Morgan was hired by OU on February 11, 2026.
  • Morgan replaces Jay Valai, who left OU two weeks ago to join the Buffalo Bills' coaching staff.

The players

LaMar Morgan

An experienced defensive backs coach who has worked at several Division I programs, including Michigan, Louisiana, Vanderbilt, and Houston.

Jay Valai

The former cornerbacks coach at OU, who recently left the program to join the Buffalo Bills' coaching staff.

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What they’re saying

“LaMar Morgan is a rising star in the coaching ranks, and we're thrilled to have him join our staff and lead our defensive backs.”

— Brent Venables, Head Coach, University of Oklahoma (Oklahoma Breakdown)

What’s next

Morgan is expected to begin his new role at OU immediately and start working with the team's defensive backs ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The hiring of LaMar Morgan as OU's new defensive backs coach is a significant move that should help strengthen the Sooners' secondary and continue the program's tradition of producing talented defensive backs.