Buffalo Bills targeting Oklahoma assistant for defensive coaching job

The Buffalo Bills are targeting Oklahoma defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator Jay Valai for their defensive backs coaching job, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

But Oklahoma coach Brent Venables and the Sooners are making every effort to keep Valai in Norman, according to On3 Sports’ George Stoia III.

Valai played college football at Wisconsin, the same school where new Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard played. Both were defensive backs for the Badgers who were named All-Big Ten selections, though Valai is about five years younger.

The Bills’ pursuit is not the first for Valai this offseason. Notre Dame is also reportedly interested.

Valai has served on coach Venables’ staff with the Sooners for all four of the coach’s seasons, earning more responsibilities each year. OU finished sixth in FBS in total defense, allowing just 275.5 yards per game, and finished seventh in scoring defense, giving up 15.5 points per game.

Valai began his coaching career as a quality control coach at Georgia at 2016 before moving to the NFL with Kansas City Chiefs and taking the same total. After that, Valai worked for Rutgers, Texas and Alabama before joining Venables in Norman.

The Bills have completely overhauled their coaching staff despite making the playoffs for seven straight seasons. Coach Sean McDermott was fired and replaced by offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Brady then hired Leonhard as defensive coordinator and Pete Carmichael Jr. as offensive coordinator.