Jay Valai facts for kids
| Current position | |
|---|---|
| Title | Assistant head coach for defense/co-defensive coordinator/pass defense/cornerbacks and nickelbacks coach |
| Team | Oklahoma |
| Conference | SEC |
| Annual salary | $750,000 |
| Biographical details | |
| Born | Euless, Texas |
| Playing career | |
| 2006–2010 | Wisconsin |
| Position(s) | Defensive Back |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 2016–2017 | Georgia (DQC) |
| 2018 | Kansas City Chiefs (DQC) |
| 2019 | Rutgers (CB) |
| 2020 | Texas (CB) |
| 2021 | Alabama (CB) |
| 2022–present | Oklahoma (CB/Co-DC) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
|
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Jay Valai is an American football coach and a former player. He currently works at the University of Oklahoma. There, he helps lead the defense as an assistant head coach, co-defensive coordinator, and pass defense coach. He also coaches the cornerbacks and nickelbacks.
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Playing Days as a Player
Jay Valai played college football at the University of Wisconsin. He was a defensive back for four years, from 2006 to 2010. In 2010, he was even a team captain. He was recognized as one of the best defensive players in his conference. This happened in both 2008 and 2009. During his college career, he played in 48 games. He made 153 tackles, forced four fumbles, and caught two interceptions.
Coaching Career Highlights
Jay Valai started his coaching journey after his playing days. He has worked with both college and professional football teams.
Early Coaching Roles
Jay began his coaching career at the University of Georgia. He worked there in 2016 and 2017. His role was a defensive quality control coach. This means he helped analyze how the defense was playing. In 2018, he moved to the NFL. He joined the Kansas City Chiefs and worked under coach Andy Reid. He continued as a defensive quality control coach.
In 2019, Jay returned to college football. He became the cornerbacks coach for Rutgers University. The next year, in 2020, he moved to his home state of Texas. He coached the cornerbacks for the Texas Longhorns.
Time at Alabama
After his time at Texas, Valai moved to the University of Alabama. On February 12, 2021, Alabama announced they hired him. He became the team's cornerbacks coach. This was a big step in his coaching career.
Joining Oklahoma
On January 11, 2022, Jay Valai made another important move. He joined the University of Oklahoma coaching staff. He took on the role of co-defensive coordinator. This means he shares the responsibility of leading the team's defense. He also continues to coach the cornerbacks.
About His Family
Jay Valai is married to his wife, Courtney. Together, they have three children. They have two daughters and one son.
