Oklahoma Set to Hire LaMar Morgan as New Cornerbacks Coach
Oklahoma has zeroed in on its next cornerbacks coach - and it’s a name that caught most folks by surprise. The Sooners are expected to bring in LaMar Morgan, a former Michigan assistant, to fill the vacancy left by Jay Valai.
Morgan’s hiring marks a significant move for Brent Venables’ staff, especially as OU prepares for its first season in the SEC. While Morgan wasn’t widely rumored as a candidate, his résumé speaks volumes. He’s been around the block, and his track record shows a coach who knows how to develop defensive backs and elevate a secondary.
Let’s break it down.
A Quiet Climb with Strong Results
Morgan most recently served on Michigan’s staff - and while he wasn’t the most high-profile name on that loaded coaching roster, he played a role in one of the best defenses in college football. Before that, he was the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Louisiana under Billy Napier, where his unit consistently ranked among the Sun Belt’s best.
That Louisiana defense didn’t just play fast and physical - it was disciplined, aggressive, and opportunistic. Traits you can bet Venables values.
Morgan’s also had stints at Vanderbilt and Houston, giving him a well-rounded mix of Power Five and Group of Five experience. That’s important when you’re walking into a room full of young corners trying to make the jump from Big 12 ball to the SEC gauntlet.
What This Means for OU’s Secondary
Let’s be honest - Oklahoma’s cornerback play has been inconsistent the past few seasons. Jay Valai helped stabilize things, but there’s still work to be done.
Morgan steps into a role where player development is critical. The Sooners have young talent in the secondary, but they need polish, technique, and confidence to handle the elite wideouts they’ll face weekly in the SEC.
Morgan’s background suggests he’s up to the task. He’s known for emphasizing fundamentals and communication - two things that often separate good secondaries from great ones. And in a Venables-led defense that thrives on complexity and aggression, corners need to be sharp, smart, and fearless.
A Strategic Fit
This hire isn’t just about filling a position. It’s about building a staff that can recruit, teach, and compete at the highest level.
Morgan checks those boxes. He’s recruited in Texas and the Southeast, which aligns with OU’s current recruiting footprint.
And he brings a fresh perspective to a staff that’s already stacked with defensive minds.
With the Sooners heading into the SEC, every coaching hire matters a little more. The margin for error shrinks, and the need for elite development skyrockets. Morgan might not have been the splashiest name on the board, but he could end up being exactly what Oklahoma’s secondary needs - a technician, a motivator, and a teacher who knows how to get results.
What’s Next
Assuming the hire becomes official soon, Morgan will hit the ground running. Spring ball is around the corner, and the Sooners’ defensive backs will have a new voice in their ears. One that’s been part of a championship-caliber program and knows what it takes to compete at the highest level.
For Oklahoma, this is another piece of the puzzle as they prepare for life in the SEC. And for LaMar Morgan, it’s a big opportunity - and a big challenge - in Norman.