Oklahoma football: New Sooners assistants Jerry Montgomery, Jay Boulware glad to be a part of 'big dog' program

Montgomery, the Sooners' new defensive line coach, and Boulware, who will coach tight ends and special teams, met with reporters Wednesday for their first interviews since joining OU's staff.

Montgomery arrives in Norman after a two-year run as Michigan's defensive line coach; Boulware, meanwhile, came to Oklahoma after a short, two-month stint on Wisconsin's staff. He coached the past four seasons at Auburn.

“We're big brother now,” said Boulware, who has also coached at Northern Illinois, Arizona, Stanford, Utah and Iowa State.

“I've been at places where you're little brother, as some people say, or you're equal or whatever ... but this is my first time at a place where you're definitely the big dog on the street and everybody knows it.”

Oklahoma begins spring practices Saturday with some new faces, enhanced responsibilities for others and loftier expectations for all.

Stoops' three new assistant coaches — Montgomery, Boulware and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh — must also quickly adapt to their unfamiliar surroundings and players.

Montgomery confirmed Wednesday that he'll coach Oklahoma's entire defensive line; his predecessor, Jackie Shipp, only coached defensive tackles.