Report: Former Wisconsin DB and ex-Rutgers assistant rejoining Chris Ash at Texas

One former Wisconsin defensive back and a former assistant for Chris Ash at Rutgers is reportedly joining Ash at his next destination.

Ash was dismissed by the Scarlet Knights this season during another rough stretch of football. As a head coach for Rutgers, Ash finished with an 8-32 overall record over four seasons with the program.

It did not take long for Ash to re-enter the coaching ranks, landing at Texas as the next defensive coordinator for Tom Herman’s staff. Now, Ash is re-connecting with a former assistant and a player he once coached.

That person is Jay Valai, a former defensive back for the Badgers from 2007-10. He compiled 154 total tackles, 10.5 for loss, a sack, and two interceptions for Wisconsin. Ash joined the Badgers’ staff as a DB coach in 2010, Valai’s senior season.

Now, Adam Rittenberg with ESPN is reporting that Valai will join the staff in Texas to coach cornerbacks for the Longhorns as a part of Ash’s defensive staff:

Source: #Texas is expected to hire Jay Valai as cornerbacks coach. Valai held the same spot under new Texas DC Chris Ash at Rutgers. He also coached with the KC Chiefs and Georgia. Valai grew up near Dallas and brings a strong reputation in recruiting and player development.

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 10, 2020

Hopefully, the reunion works out for both parties.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.