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OU football is still searching for its next defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
Sooners athletic director Joe Castiglione said Thursday following the university’s Board of Regents meeting that the process is “going well.”
“I think it’s very close,” Castiglione said.
Oklahoma missed out on hiring former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who agreed to a deal to become Penn State’s defensive coordinator and the highest-paid assistant coach in the country. OU reportedly offered Knowles an annual salary of up to $3 million.
The Sooners are tasked with replacing Zac Alley, who departed for West Virginia after one season. OU’s defense ranked No. 31 nationally this season, with Alley being named a nominee for the Broyles Award, which is given to the top assistant coach in college football.
It was thought if Knowles headed to Norman, Venables could entrust the keys to him and focus on being a CEO coach. It’s now unlikely Venables takes a step away from the defense and it’s unclear if the next hire will call the plays or primarily serve as linebackers coach with a co-defensive coordinator title.
The Sooners return strong defensive players next season, as defensive end R Mason Thomas and defensive tackle Damonic Williams recently announced their returns. Safeties Peyton Bowen and Robert Spears-Jennings, linebackers Kip Lewis and Kobie McKinzie and defensive tackles Gracen Halton and Jayden Jackson will be back.
OU has been successful at landing defensive players in the NCAA transfer portal, even without a defensive coordinator, including landing star edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. from Florida State.
More: OU football OC Ben Arbuckle’s three-year contract approved by Board of Regents
OU athletic director Joe Castiglione talks during a press conference before a celebration for OU joining the Southeastern…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ou-football-program-very-close-002808663.html
Author : The Oklahoman
Publish date : 2025-01-31 00:28:00
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