The Buffalo Bills are targeting Oklahoma cornerbacks coach Jay Valai for a defensive backs coach job, according to a report Sunday from CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
The Sooners are working to keep Valai.
Valai, whose name has also been linked to Notre Dame the past few days before reports said the Irish are turning elsewhere, had his contract renewed through the 2026 season Friday and received a $35,000 raise bringing his annual salary to $785,000.
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Valai arrived in Norman with Brent Venables ahead of the 2022 season and would be only the second defensive assistant to leave during Venables’ tenure. Former defensive coordinator Zac Alley left for West Virginia last offseason.
He has received several new titles in recent years and is currently listed as OU’s assistant head coach for defense/co-defensive coordinator/pass defense/cornerbacks and nickelbacks.
The former All-Big Ten defensive back played at Wisconsin like new Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. During Valai’s time with the Badgers he played under Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Chris Ash.
Valai has been instrumental in the development of star OU cornerbacks Eli Bowen and Courtland Guillory.
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Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football CB coach Jay Valai top target for Buffalo Bills opening