Jacksonville State's Zac Alley emerging as name to watch for Oklahoma defensive coordinator job

Jacksonville State defensive coordinator Zac Alley has emerged as the name to watch for the Oklahoma defensive coordinator job, multiple sources tell On3.

A former student and grad assistant under Brent Venables at Clemson, he helped the Tigers win two national championships, four ACC titles and compiled a combined record of 55-4. The 29 year old has coached linebackers at Louisiana Monroe and Boise State, most recently serving as the youngest defensive coordinator in FBS for the Warhawks.

Alley has been at Jacksonville State for the past two seasons, with the 2023 squad leading the C-USA in total defense, allowing 352.8 yards per game. The Gamecocks also led the league in rush defense, allowing just 111.5 yards per game. Alley’s defense ranks in the top 50 in the nation in total defense, too.

The Sooners announced Thursday that Oklahoma and Ted Roof had mutually parted ways after just two seasons in Norman. After ranking 98th in scoring defense (30.0 ppg) and 121st in total defense (461.0 ypg) in 2022, Oklahoma improved in both categories in 2023, ranking 46th (23.5 ppg) and 78th (389.4 ypg), respectively. 

Linebacker Danny Stutsman and defensive linemen Ethan Downs, Da’Jon Terry and Jacob Lacey have all announced their intentions to return next season. Safety Billy Bowman Jr. will also be returning.