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 | |
|
|
Jay Valai is an American football coach. He also used to play football. Right now, he helps coach the defense at the University of Oklahoma. He is the assistant head coach, co-defensive coordinator, and coach for pass defense.
Contents
Jay Valai's Playing Days
Playing for Wisconsin
Jay Valai played football for the University of Wisconsin. He was a defensive back for four years. In 2010, he was a team captain. He was recognized as a second-team All-Big Ten player in 2008 and 2009. During his college career, he played in 48 games. He made 153 tackles, forced four fumbles, and caught two interceptions.
Jay Valai's Coaching Career
Starting as a Coach
Jay Valai began his coaching journey at the University of Georgia. He worked there as a defensive quality control coach in 2016 and 2017. This role helps coaches review game films and plan strategies.
In 2018, Jay Valai moved to the NFL. He joined the Kansas City Chiefs and worked under coach Andy Reid. He continued as a defensive quality control coach.
Coaching College Teams
In 2019, Valai returned to college football. He became the cornerbacks coach for Rutgers University. Cornerbacks are defensive players who cover wide receivers.
In 2020, he moved to his home state of Texas. He became the cornerbacks coach for the University of Texas.
Coaching at Alabama
After the head coach at Texas left, Valai decided to move on. On January 20, 2021, he was announced as the cornerbacks coach for the University of Houston.
However, he changed his mind. On February 1, the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL announced they hired him. He was going to be their cornerbacks coach. But just twelve days later, the University of Alabama announced they had hired Valai. He became their cornerbacks coach instead.
Coaching at Oklahoma
On January 11, 2022, Valai moved schools again. He joined the University of Oklahoma as a co-defensive coordinator. He helps lead the defense for the Sooners.
Jay Valai's Family Life
Jay Valai is married to his wife, Courtney. They have two daughters and one son.
