Bobby Jay, a Boise native, joined the Bengal football coaching staff in the spring of 2024 after working at the University of San Diego and Idaho for more than a decade. 

Jay brings a wealth of experience and a connection to Idaho State, originally hailing from Boise.

Jay spent the last 13 seasons at San Diego and Idaho, 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.

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 is joined in Pocatello by his wife Katy and their four children, Jackson, Luke, Tripp and Charlee.