The Oklahoma Sooners are set to appoint a new defensive coordinator following the departure of Zac Alley, who has joined West Virginia’s staff. Alley, a 31-year-old rising star in the coaching world, previously served as Oklahoma’s co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. His move to West Virginia reunites him with head coach Rich Rodriguez, with whom he has a longstanding professional relationship.
In the wake of Alley’s departure, several candidates have emerged to fill the defensive coordinator position at Oklahoma. Here are some potential replacements:
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**Todd Bates**
Currently serving as Oklahoma’s associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator, Bates has been with head coach Brent Venables for an extended period, including their tenure at Clemson. He has demonstrated effectiveness as the defensive tackles coach, excelling in both recruitment and player development. However, Bates lacks experience as a defensive play-caller, which may influence the decision to promote him to the coordinator role.
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**Jay Valai**
As the associate head coach for defense and co-defensive coordinator, Valai has been instrumental in recruiting and developing young talent, notably cornerbacks like Gentry Williams and Eli Bowen. While he has not served as a defensive play-caller, his contributions to the defense’s success make him a strong internal candidate.
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**Brandon Hall**
Serving as the safeties coach at Oklahoma, Hall has prior experience as a defensive coordinator at Troy and Jacksonville State. During his tenure at Troy, he oversaw a defense that ranked 24th nationally in total defense in 2021. His familiarity with Venables’ system and his defensive play-calling experience position him as a strong internal candidate for the role.
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**Wes Goodwin**
Currently the defensive coordinator at Clemson, Goodwin has a strong connection to Venables, having worked with him previously at Clemson. While Clemson’s defense experienced a slight regression this season, Goodwin boasts an impressive resume, including a stint as a defensive analyst under Bruce Arians in the NFL.
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**Travis Williams**
As the defensive coordinator at Arkansas, Williams has transformed the Razorbacks’ defense in recent years, leading them to significant improvements. His experience in the SEC, including his time as a player and coach at Auburn, would be invaluable to Oklahoma.
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The Sooners’ defense has shown promise, ranking fifth in the SEC in total defense under Alley’s guidance, allowing 318 yards per game. The incoming defensive coordinator will inherit a talented roster, including standout players like linebacker Danny Stutsman, who emerged as a Butkus Award finalist under Alley’s tutelage.
Given the recent coaching changes, including the hiring of Ben Arbuckle as offensive coordinator, head coach Brent Venables faces the challenge of assembling a cohesive and effective coaching staff. The decision on the new defensive coordinator will be pivotal in shaping the Sooners’ defensive strategy and overall performance in the upcoming season.
