
The Oklahoma Sooners are actively seeking a new defensive coordinator following Zac Alley’s departure to West Virginia, where he has assumed the roles of assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.
Alley, who joined Oklahoma in January 2024, was instrumental in elevating the Sooners’ defense to a top-20 national ranking during his tenure. Head coach Brent Venables now faces the critical task of identifying a successor capable of maintaining and enhancing the defensive prowess established under Alley.
Internal Candidates:
Brandon Hall: Serving as Oklahoma’s safeties coach for the past three seasons, Hall has been pivotal in developing talents like Billy Bowman and Robert Spears-Jennings. His intimate knowledge of Venables’ defensive schemes and prior play-calling experience position him as a strong contender for the coordinator role.
Todd Bates: As the defensive tackles coach and co-defensive coordinator, Bates has collaborated with Venables since their tenure at Clemson beginning in 2017. His extensive experience within Venables’ system and success in mentoring players such as Da’Jon Terry and Gracen Halton make him a viable candidate, despite lacking direct play-calling experience.
Jay Valai: The cornerbacks coach and co-defensive coordinator, Valai, has been with the Sooners since Venables’ arrival. While he has not previously called plays, his contributions to the secondary’s improvement could warrant consideration for a promotion.
External Candidates:
Wes Goodwin: Currently Clemson’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, Goodwin has a longstanding association with Venables from their collaborative periods at Clemson. His familiarity with Venables’ defensive philosophy and successful track record could facilitate a seamless transition should he be approached for the position.
Bryan Brown: Serving as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Ole Miss, Brown boasts a wealth of experience, having held defensive coordinator roles at Appalachian State, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Ole Miss. Under his co-leadership, Ole Miss’s defense ranked fourth nationally in points allowed per game in 2024, underscoring his defensive acumen.
Scott Symons: As SMU’s defensive coordinator and safeties coach, Symons was a Broyles Award semifinalist and played a crucial role in guiding the Mustangs to the College Football Playoff. A native of Hurst, Texas, his regional ties and recent contract extension with SMU could influence his availability and interest in the Oklahoma position.
The selection of a new defensive coordinator is a pivotal decision for Coach Venables, aiming to sustain the defensive momentum achieved under Zac Alley. Whether opting for an internal promotion or recruiting an external candidate, the primary objective remains to uphold and advance the defensive standards that are integral to the Sooners’ pursuit of excellence in collegiate football.