Oklahoma’s Cornerbacks Coach Search: What’s at Stake and Who Could Be Next
The Sooners are on the hunt.
With longtime assistant Jay Valai heading to the NFL to join the Buffalo Bills, Oklahoma now has a key vacancy to fill on Brent Venables’ defensive staff - cornerbacks coach. And make no mistake, this is one of the more appealing gigs in the college football landscape right now.
Let’s break down why this job is such a hot ticket, what factors will shape the hire, and who might be in the mix.
Why This Job Matters - A Lot
First off, this isn’t just any assistant coaching role. This is a chance to work under Brent Venables, one of college football’s most respected defensive minds. His track record speaks for itself, and any coach stepping into this role will be inheriting a defense that’s trending upward and a position group that’s already in solid shape.
Oklahoma’s cornerback room is talented. The Sooners have recruited well at the position in recent cycles, locking in several high-upside prospects.
And they’re not done - there’s a strong pipeline of regional talent with OU high on their radar. Whoever steps into this role won’t be starting from scratch.
They’ll be walking into a room with real potential and a recruiting board that’s already well-stocked.
Then there’s the brand. Oklahoma is Oklahoma.
Even in a shifting college football landscape, the Sooners remain one of the sport’s premier programs. That kind of name recognition carries weight on the recruiting trail and in coaching circles.
Add in the stability Venables has brought to the program and the likelihood of a competitive salary, and it's easy to see why this job will draw plenty of interest.
What the Sooners Need in Their Next Hire
This isn’t just about plugging a hole. Oklahoma’s next cornerbacks coach needs to be someone who can recruit, develop, and fit seamlessly into a defensive system that demands versatility and discipline.
Venables runs a complex, aggressive scheme. Corners are asked to do a lot - play man, mix in zone, support the run, and communicate at a high level.
That means the new hire has to be more than just a good technician. They need to be a teacher and a motivator, someone who can elevate young talent and keep the room locked in week to week.
Recruiting chops are non-negotiable. The Sooners are moving into an SEC world where every inch of ground matters, especially in the secondary. The new coach will have to hold their own against some of the best recruiters in the country and continue to build on the foundation Valai helped lay.
And let’s not forget the cultural fit. Venables’ staff is tight-knit and high-energy. The next cornerbacks coach has to bring that same juice - someone who can connect with players, bring intensity to the practice field, and embrace the grind that comes with coaching at a blue-blood program.
So, Who Might Be in the Mix?
Names will start to surface quickly, and there’s no doubt Oklahoma will cast a wide net. Expect a mix of rising stars and experienced hands to be considered - coaches with proven track records of developing talent and recruiting at a high level.
The Sooners could look to the NFL ranks, the college level, or even someone with past ties to Venables or the program. Continuity matters, but so does fresh perspective. What’s clear is that Oklahoma isn’t just looking to fill a vacancy - they’re looking to make a hire that helps elevate the entire defense.
The Bottom Line
Jay Valai’s departure opens the door for a new voice in the Oklahoma defensive room, and it comes at a pivotal time. The Sooners are building toward something bigger under Venables, and the next cornerbacks coach will play a key role in shaping that future.
It’s a job that checks all the boxes: talent on the roster, recruiting momentum, a respected head coach, and the backing of a powerhouse program. Now, it’s about finding the right fit - someone who can step in, hit the ground running, and help take this defense to the next level.
The search is on in Norman, and it’s one worth watching closely.