Former Alabama cornerbacks coach pens farewell to staff

The Oklahoma Sooners announced the hire of Alabama cornerbacks coach Jay Valai as co-defensive coordinator and pass defense assistant who will work with cornerbacks and nickel backs on Tuesday night. The potential for the move was also reported by On3’s Matt Zenitz one week ago.

Prior to the formal announcement, Jay Valai sent a farwell message to the behind-the-scenes staff at Alabama, given them credit for their hard work and contribution to his success.

“It has truly been a blessing to be a part of Bama Nation!” Valai said in a statement. “Seeing a team respond to adversity, multiple injuries, personal and family issues with a no flinch/next man up mentality has truly been special to see.

“It’s amazing to see the work ethic of people who never get enough credit in building like Jeff Allen, Ellis Ponder, Mrs. Linda, Mrs. Glenda, Ballou and Dr. Rhea, JT, Mama Ashley, Brandy, Carrigan, Makenzie, the recruiting staff, Jonathan King, DD, Shap, Van , the ageless wonder Cedric Burns and their amazing staffs (plus many more)!

“Mrs. Terry and coach Saban aka the G.O.A.T. have been amazing to my family and me. As incredible as it was to talk scheme and strategy with him, people will never know how truly good of a man he is. This staff and Roll Tide Community has been amazing to be a part of!

“Truly blessed and as always much love!”

In addition to the full statement, Jay Valai included the caption “much love, roll ride!” on his Twitter page.

Oklahoma hires Jay Valai

The addition of Jay Valai completes Brent Venables first on-field staff as head coach and further cements the defensive identity of his program. The former Wisconsin captain and two-time All-Big Ten honoree has risen quickly through the ranks since beginning his coaching career in 2016.

Oklahoma is Jay Valai’s fifth coaching post in as many years, spending time with multiple teams over the past several seasons. Before Alabama, he spent time on Tom Herman’s Texas staff, the 2019 Rutgers staff and worked in the Kansas City Chiefs organization as a defensive quality control and assistant defensive backs coach.

Valai released another statement upon arrival in Oklahoma. He also recognized Nick Saban’s greatness again with a special thank you.

“Alabama has been awesome and Nick Saban is the G.O.A.T.,” said Valai. “I learned so much working under him and we have a tremendous relationship. He and Miss Terry have been amazing to my family and me. But to get the opportunity to be closer to home working for an Oklahoma program I grew up watching while living in Dallas and to work with Brent and be a cook in the kitchen with him is special. I’m excited. It’s beyond a blessing to be part of Sooner Nation.”