Oklahoma’s Brent Venables Faces Sudden Setback as Beloved Assistant Head Coach Jumps to NFL’s Bills—What’s Next for Sooners?

Oklahoma’s football revival is charging full steam ahead after that thrilling College Football Playoff debut and a stellar recruiting haul — but is it really possible to keep all the magic intact when you lose a cornerstone of the defense? Year five under Brent Venables promises fireworks, especially with John Mateer aiming to light up the senior year spotlight. Yet, enter the bittersweet twist: Jay Valai, the assistant head coach and co-defensive mastermind, is packing his bags for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. Valai’s been a defensive guru since 2022, helping craft one of the nation’s stingiest defenses, which made the Sooners a CFP contender despite offensive hiccups. Now, as Valai embraces a fresh challenge trying to end Buffalo’s 30-plus years without a Super Bowl, Oklahoma faces the familiar test—can Venables and Bates fill that void and keep the defensive fortress standing tall? Change is part of the game in Norman, and while Valai’s departure stings, the show isn’t stopping anytime soon. Curious how this all shakes out? LEARN MORE.

Following a College Football Playoff appearance and a successful showing on the recruiting trail, it appears Oklahoma is on the rise. Year five of the Brent Venables era should pack loads of excitement, as quarterback John Mateer returns for what he hopes is a stellar senior season. Though, there is one key member of the team who will not be sticking around in Norman for the 2026-27 campaign. Sooners assistant head coach for defense, co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks/nickelbacks coach Jay Valai is set to become the Buffalo Bills’ new CB coach, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Valai, a former star defensive back with Wisconsin, has been with Oklahoma since 2022. Alongside Todd Bates, he led one of the best defenses in the country last season. The Sooners allowed a measly 15.5 points and 272.5 total yards per game, ranking first in the SEC in both categories. With the offense weathering some inconsistent play down the stretch, this unit was a huge reason why the program earned a CFP invitation.

Oklahoma can maintain its strong defensive identity under Venables and Bates, but Valai will certainly be missed. He will now join a revamped Bills staff that is under significant pressure to end the franchise’s 30-plus-year Super Bowl drought. The two-time Second-Team All-Big Ten selection will have a great chance of quickly climbing the NFL coaching ladder if all goes well in Buffalo.

The show goes on in Norman, however. Brent Venables and Oklahoma football will wish Jay Valai the best and make the necessary adjustments this offseason.

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