Will Brent Venables assuming Oklahoma defensive play-calling duties help Sooners bounce back in 2025 season?

After an extensive coordinator search that saw Oklahoma weave through potential candidates like Jim Knowles, the Sooners finally have their new defensive play caller: head coach Brent Venables. Venables, a longtime former defensive coordinator himself, will now, in essence, return to that role while still operating Oklahoma’s entire program. 

To assist in the transition, Oklahoma also announced the hiring of former Arkansas State defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling as inside linebackers coach and former Clemson defensive coordinator (and Venables disciple) Wes Goodwin as an assistant linebackers coach. 

“I have reflected on all facets of our program over the past several weeks,” Venables said in a statement. “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.” 

Venables’ decision comes after Oklahoma lost sitting defensive coordinator Zac Alley to West Virginia after he served just one season with the Sooners. Venables is also expanding his direct responsibilities in the wake of another 6-7 season — capped by a loss against Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl — that saw Oklahoma post a 2-6 conference record in its first season with the SEC. 

With that, Oklahoma posted its second losing season in three years under Venables. Take away Oklahoma’s 10-3 effort in 2023, and Venables is 12-14 with a conference showing of 5-12 while leading one of college football’s most storied…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/will-brent-venables-assuming-oklahoma-defensive-play-calling-duties-help-sooners-bounce-back-in-2025-season/

Author : Will Backus

Publish date : 2025-02-03 17:44:00

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