The Shortlist: Who Replaces Jay Valai at Oklahoma?

Jay Valai is gone. The architect of Oklahoma’s #1 ranked interception defense (2023) has taken his talents to the Buffalo Bills.

For Brent Venables, this is familiar territory. He doesn’t panic when assistants leave; he reloads. But this hire is critical. The “Defensive U” brand requires a technician who can also swim with the sharks in SEC recruiting.

Here is the shortlist of potential candidates to watch.

1. Mike Reed (Clemson)

• The Connection: Long-time stability. Reed worked with Venables at Clemson and knows the complex defensive language inside and out.
• The Pitch: Reed is a proven developer of NFL talent. Bringing him to Norman would not just be a “safe” hire; it would be a “championship” hire. He fits the culture immediately.

2. Dominique Franks (Tulsa / OU Alum)

• The Connection: DNA. Franks is a former Sooner great and NFL veteran. Currently coaching at Tulsa, he was reportedly on Venables’ radar when he first took the job.
• The Pitch: “Sooner Born, Sooner Bred.” Franks brings the passion of an alum and the credibility of an NFL resume. In recruiting, he can sell the “I sat in these same seats” narrative better than anyone.

3. Xavier Brewer (Internal Promotion)

• The Connection: Continuity. Brewer is already in the building as an analyst/assistant DB coach.
• The Pitch: If Venables wants zero disruption to the scheme or current relationships with players like Eli Bowen, Brewer is the answer. It signals trust in the current developmental pipeline.

The Independent View

This hire is a litmus test.

• A “Big Name” hire like Reed signals that Oklahoma is flexxing its SEC muscle and budget.
• An “Alum” hire like Franks signals a focus on culture and identity.
• An “Internal” hire like Brewer signals supreme confidence in the existing system.

Valai leaves big shoes to fill. The next few weeks will tell us exactly how Venables plans to fill them.