Bobby Jay, a Boise native, joined the Vandal football coaching staff in the spring of 2023 after working at the University of San Diego for more than a decade.
Jay brings a wealth of experience and a connection to Idaho, originally hailing from Boise.
“We are very excited to add Bobby Jay to our staff as safeties coach,” Eck said. “He was part of a championship FCS program at San Diego for over 10 years, including the last five as the Defensive Coordinator. He is knowledgeable of our scheme, a defensive back expert and a skilled recruiter. Being a native of Boise and a graduate of Boise high school, was also a big plus as we want to consistently get the best players in the state to play for the Vandals. We are excited to welcome Bobby, his wife Katy and their children to the Vandal family.”
Jay spent the last 12 seasons at San Diego, starting as an Administrative Assistant in 2010 before moving into coaching in 2011. He took over coaching the linebackers in 12 before moving to the defensive backs in 2014. In 2018, he was named the Defensive Coordinator on top of his DB responsibilities.
“It's awesome to get closer to home and get back to Idaho,” Jay said. “Obviously, seeing what this program did last season, I hope to come and be able to help continue to push this place to new heights. I heard great things about Coach Eck from different guys around the profession they're really excited about what we’re going to build here. I remember when I was young and this place was rocking, so it can be special I know there's support for this program across the state I look forward for that.”
During his time as Defensive Coordinator, the Toreros won two conference titles and made two FCS Playoff appearances. The 2022 season saw the San Diego ranked 17th in the FCS and first in the Pioneer Football League for scoring defense, allowing just 21 points per game. They also ranked fourth in the FCS for TFLs, racking up 81 in just ten games. Muhindo Kapapa was named the PFL Defensive Player of the Year and second-team AFCA All-American. Four total San Diego players were named to PFL first and second-teams.
The spring 2021 season was highlighted by Pioneer Football League Defensive Player of the Year, Kevin Glajchen, who also earned All-America recognition. The Toreros ranked nationally in third down percentage defense (3rd), rushing defense (7th), total defense (9th) and scoring defense (11th).
The 2019 season saw Jay’s Torero defense be amongst the best in the PFL. USD ranked first in scoring defense in the conference, allowing 17.6 points per game. The team also finished first or second in several other categories, including total defense (No. 2), rush defense (No. 2) and pass defense efficiency (No. 1).
Nationally, the Torero defense ranked highly in the FCS in two key categories in 2019: No. 3 in passes intercepted (19) and No. 10 in turnovers gained (27).
While at San Diego, he has been a part of eight conference title teams. From 2015 to 2017, Jay served as the Toreros’ recruiting coordinator. Those classes included more than 20 All-PFL performers, All-American Michael Bandy, national player of the year finalist Reid Sinnett, and Academic All-American Jake Michaels.
Prior to his time at San Diego, he was a graduate assistant at his alma mater, the University of the Redlands. He coached at Capital High in Boise from 2006-07.
Jay played Safety at Redlands where the Bulldogs won titles in 2002 and 2003.
He will be joined in Moscow by his wife Katy and their four children, Jackson, Luke, Tripp and Charlee.
