DL coach Jerry Montgomery leaving Oklahoma for NFL job
Oklahoma’s Jerry Montgomery is the latest college assistant to head to the NFL in the days after National Signing Day.
Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops confirmed Tuesday that Montgomery, the Sooners’ defensive line coach who was recently promoted to co-defensive coordinator, has agreed in principle to join an NFL staff. Though the NFL team was not named in Oklahoma’s release, The Oklahoman is reporting that Montgomery is headed to Green Bay.
“This is a rare opportunity for Jerry and his family to join one of the finest organizations in the National Football League,” Stoops said. “I appreciate the positive impact that Jerry has made with our defensive line the past two seasons, as well as his many other contributions to Oklahoma Football. The NFL is getting a fine man and a very talented football coach. I support Jerry’s decision to further his career goals working with one of the most stable and successful franchises in pro football.”
Montgomery has coached the Oklahoma defensive line for the past two seasons and emerged as one of the top recruiters on Stoops’ staff. He arrived at OU in February 2013 after spending two seasons at Michigan. He previously coached at Wyoming and Northern Iowa.
“My family will be forever grateful to Coach Stoops for providing me with the privilege of learning from him and the rest of his staff at the University of Oklahoma,” Montgomery said. “The past two years have been invaluable helping me grow personally and professionally. It’s truly been an honor to coach such a wonderful group of student-athletes at OU, and I’ll continue to follow their progress closely.
“I have been offered an unbelievable opportunity to pursue my dream of coaching in the National Football League. There are very few jobs that I would have even considered. Our family has been blessed to have represented the University of Oklahoma, and we will always have a great appreciation for our time working for Coach Stoops and the Sooners.”
With Montgomery out the door, Stoops said he has already begun the search for his replacement.
“The University of Oklahoma continues to be an attractive destination for some of the nation’s elite coaches and players,” Stoops said. “I have already begun the search process to bring another talented defensive line coach into our program. On behalf of our entire staff, we wish Jerry, Natalie and their family the very best.”
Montgomery joins a growing list of assistants to leave the college ranks for the NFL recently including Ohio State running backs coach Stan Drayton, Florida defensive line coach Terrell Williams, and UCLA defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
For more Oklahoma news, visit SoonerScoop.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
