Oklahoma Head Coach Brent Venables Makes Big Announcement on Saturday
Undoubtedly, the Oklahoma Sooners and head coach Brent Venables had a disappointing 2024 season. They went 6-7 overall, 2-6 in SEC games and lost the Armed Forces Bowl to the Navy Midshipmen.
However, that wasn’t necessarily because of the defense, which ranked 29th in points per game allowed (21.5) and 19th in total yards per game allowed (318.2) in 2024.
At the helm was co-defensive coordinator, linebackers coach and play-caller Zac Alley, who will not be returning in 2025 after taking a sole defensive coordinator position with West Virginia.
With Alley now gone, Venables revealed Saturday who will call the defensive plays for next season.
“I have reflected on all facets of our program over the past several weeks,” he said. “Since I was hired as head coach, we have carefully assembled the defensive personnel and scheme that is suited to compete at the highest level, and we’ve built a deep and talented roster ready for the moment.
“I have high expectations for our program and will do everything in my power to achieve our goals for our players. To that end, I will take over defensive play-calling responsibilities for the 2025 season.”
This is Venables going back to his roots, as his name first started catching attention through his stints as a defensive coordinator for Clemson and Oklahoma.
His most recent time as a DC was in 2021 with Clemson, which ranked second in points per game allowed (14.8) and eighth in total yards per game allowed (306.3).
Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables.
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Luckily for Venables, he’s also brought in some serious potential difference-makers through the transfer portal, including four-star EDGE Marvin Jones Jr. (Florida State) and three-star linebacker Kendal Daniels (Oklahoma State).
