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Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables has experienced both highs and lows during his four seasons in Norman. Venables has compiled a 32-20 record in his four seasons, alternating between two losing seasons and two double-digit-win campaigns.
His best season was in 2025, when Venables led Oklahoma to a 10-3 record and a return to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019. A major factor in that turnaround was Venables reclaiming defensive play-calling duties. Throughout his career at Oklahoma and Clemson, Venables has established himself as one of college football's premier defensive minds, helping win three national championships as a coordinator.
When he became Oklahoma's head coach, Venables initially handed defensive play-calling responsibilities to his assistants. However, in a pressure-packed season in 2025, Venables returned to calling the plays, and the defense shined. Oklahoma ranked No. 6 in total defense and No. 5 in defensive efficiency. Despite accomplishing more than many coaches have, Venables was left off ESPN's top 10 coaches list.
To make matters worse, he wasn't listed among the eight coaches who received votes. New Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Eric Morris was. This again shows the lack of respect that Venables is receiving nationally. The only way for Venables to make believers out of everyone is to do what he did last year, again.
If Oklahoma strings together consecutive successful seasons for the first time under Venables, the conversation around his tenure likely will change significantly. Sustained success, not one standout year, is what will ultimately define his legacy in Norman.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Did Brent Venables make ESPN's list of the top 10 coaches in CFB?
Continue reading...
His best season was in 2025, when Venables led Oklahoma to a 10-3 record and a return to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019. A major factor in that turnaround was Venables reclaiming defensive play-calling duties. Throughout his career at Oklahoma and Clemson, Venables has established himself as one of college football's premier defensive minds, helping win three national championships as a coordinator.
When he became Oklahoma's head coach, Venables initially handed defensive play-calling responsibilities to his assistants. However, in a pressure-packed season in 2025, Venables returned to calling the plays, and the defense shined. Oklahoma ranked No. 6 in total defense and No. 5 in defensive efficiency. Despite accomplishing more than many coaches have, Venables was left off ESPN's top 10 coaches list.
To make matters worse, he wasn't listed among the eight coaches who received votes. New Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Eric Morris was. This again shows the lack of respect that Venables is receiving nationally. The only way for Venables to make believers out of everyone is to do what he did last year, again.
If Oklahoma strings together consecutive successful seasons for the first time under Venables, the conversation around his tenure likely will change significantly. Sustained success, not one standout year, is what will ultimately define his legacy in Norman.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Did Brent Venables make ESPN's list of the top 10 coaches in CFB?
Continue reading...
