In a move that shakes up the Oklahoma coaching staff, co-defensive coordinator Zac Alley is heading to West Virginia after just one season in Norman. The Mountaineers have hired Alley as their new defensive coordinator, according to ESPN. Sources reveal that West Virginia is finalizing a three-year contract to bring Alley on board, marking another significant step in his coaching journey.
Alley’s departure comes shortly after Oklahoma’s loss to Navy on December 27, when he was asked about his future in the postgame radio interview. Alley remained focused on the Sooners, stating, “Every year, there’s going to be something that comes up with jobs and whatnot, but I’m excited about our team. I think we have a great chance to be successful next season and have a top defense in the country.”
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables now faces the challenge of finding a new defensive coordinator for the 2025 season. This marks the second consecutive year that Venables will need to fill both coordinator roles, after Oklahoma’s defense, under Alley, made impressive strides from 79th in 2023 to a top-25 finish in 2024.
This move brings Alley full circle, reuniting him with West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez. The pair have a history together, having worked alongside each other at both Louisiana Monroe and Jacksonville State before Alley joined the Sooners’ ranks.
With Alley’s departure, Oklahoma faces both a challenge and an opportunity to continue building a powerful defense as the search for a new leader begins.
