A former Wisconsin defensive back is joining Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama.

On Thursday, Alabama officially announced that Jay Valai will be joining the Crimson Tide as the cornerbacks coach for the upcoming season. He heads to Tuscaloosa after spending the 2020 season at the University of Texas, where he was the cornerbacks coach.

“We are pleased and happy to be able to add Jay Valai to our staff to coach cornerbacks,” Saban said in a statement. “Jay is an excellent young coach who possesses outstanding knowledge and enthusiasm for the game. He is a really good teacher and an outstanding recruiter who works tirelessly at his craft. We are excited to welcome him to Tuscaloosa.”

Valai has had previous stops at Rutgers (2019) and Georgia (2016-17) at the college level, as well as one year with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs (2018).

Valai played for Wisconsin from 2007-10, appearing in 48 career games for the Badgers. He totaled 154 tackles, 10.5 for loss, forced 3 fumbles and intercepted 2 passes in his career. Valai played under former Wisconsin and current Illinois head coach Bret Bielema.

During Valai’s time in Madison, the Badgers were 37-15, appearing in four bowl games and claiming a B1G title.

Alabama closed out the 2020 season with a national championship to complete a perfect 13-0 year.