Official: Oklahoma Hires Michigan's LaMar Morgan as Cornerbacks Coach

NORMAN, Okla. — The search is over. Brent Venables has found his man to maintain the standard of “Defensive U.”

The University of Oklahoma has officially hired LaMar Morgan as the new cornerbacks coach, filling the vacancy left by Jay Valai’s departure to the Buffalo Bills. Morgan arrives in Norman after a stint as the defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach at Michigan, bringing championship-level experience and a reputation as an elite recruiter.

Why Morgan Fits the Venables Mold

This hire signals a clear intent from Venables to prioritize schematic versatility and aggressive defensive back play. Morgan is not just a position coach; he brings coordinator experience, having served as the Defensive Coordinator at Louisiana (his alma mater) from 2022 to 2023.

His resume includes stops at:

• Michigan (Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/DBs)
• Louisiana (Defensive Coordinator)
• Vanderbilt (Cornerbacks)
• Houston (Safeties)

Morgan’s defenses are known for their discipline and ability to generate turnovers—traits that align perfectly with the aggressive, complex schemes Venables deploys. At Michigan, he helped architect a secondary that was among the nation’s best in limiting explosive plays.

The Recruiting Impact

Replacing Jay Valai, a relentless recruiter, was never going to be easy. However, Morgan’s track record suggests he is up to the task. He has deep ties to the Texas and Louisiana recruiting grounds—critical fertile soil for the Sooners.

His experience in the SEC (Vanderbilt) and Big Ten (Michigan) means he understands the caliber of athlete required to compete at the highest level. For recruits in the Class of 2027 and beyond, Morgan represents a coach who can develop them for the NFL while competing for national championships.

Looking Ahead

Morgan joins a defensive staff that is looking to build on a solid 2025 campaign. With spring practice approaching, his first priority will be acclimating to the roster and installing his techniques with a returning group of corners eager to prove themselves in the SEC gauntlet.

The swift hiring process—wrapping up just days after Valai’s officially announced departure—demonstrates Venables’ decisiveness and the high allure of the Oklahoma coaching job.