One former Wisconsin defensive back is on the move, heading to Oklahoma as a piece for Brent Venables’ first staff with the Sooners.

On Monday, Oklahoma officially announced the hiring of Jay Valai as Co-DC for the Sooners. Valai will also be in charge of pass defense and CBs/NBs.

“Jay is one of the up-and-coming coaches in college football. He brings a tremendous amount of passion and energy to the job, as well as a real love for the game and for relationship-building,” said Venables via statement. “He’s experienced the game collegiately at the highest level as a player at Wisconsin and has gained terrific coaching experience on the NFL and college levels. He’ll bring a lot of great ideas from a scheme standpoint, he’s one of the best teachers in the game and he’s got a great reputation as a recruiter. He’s going to be a head coach sooner rather than later. Sometimes you know when guys have ‘it,’ and Jay certainly has it.”

Valai played for the Badgers from 2007-10, posting 154 total tackles, 10.5 TFL, a sack, and 2 interceptions. He was a part of 2 double-digit win seasons and played in one Rose Bowl.

As a coach, Valai spent 2019-20 with consecutive stops at Rutgers, Texas, and Alabama as the CBs coach at each destination.