The Oklahoma Board of Regents made a major commitment to the future of Sooner football by approving a new contract for head coach Brent Venables. The deal, finalized on Friday, secures Venables through the 2029 season and represents a significant financial investment in his leadership.
The total value of the contract is $51.6 million, which averages out to more than $8.5 million per year. This figure places Venables among the highest-paid coaches in college football and reflects the university’s confidence in his direction for the program.
This isn’t Venables’ first major deal with the Sooners. When he was initially hired in December 2021, he signed a six-year, $43.5 million contract. The new agreement marks a considerable raise and extension, signaling Oklahoma’s long-term vision as the program transitions into the Southeastern Conference.
Venables has compiled a 16-10 record through his first two seasons in Norman. In 2023, he led the Sooners to a 10-3 finish, highlighted by several high-profile wins and a top-10 national recruiting class for the 2024 cycle.
In ESPN’s early rankings for the 2025 class, Oklahoma currently sits at No. 7, which further underscores Venables’ recruiting prowess and the momentum building under his regime.
Venables’ coaching career spans decades, with success as an assistant and defensive coordinator at powerhouse programs including Kansas State, Oklahoma, and Clemson. He has been a part of eight national championship games, winning titles at Clemson.
His decision to take the Oklahoma head coaching position came after a decade of waiting for the right opportunity. Known for his intensity, strategic mind, and player development, Venables was seen as a natural fit to return to Norman.
When Venables arrived at Oklahoma, the university was already planning its move to the SEC. His hiring was part of a broader effort to elevate the program in preparation for the increased demands of the new conference.
One of his first priorities was expanding and enhancing the support staff. In his first year alone, Oklahoma added 22 new staff members compared to the previous year, a move that dramatically changed the operational scale of the football program.
Venables’ leadership style is built around discipline, defensive toughness, and team culture—principles that have helped reestablish Oklahoma’s identity as a hard-nosed, fundamentally sound team.
His second season brought with it a signature victory: an upset of then-No. 3 Texas in the Red River Rivalry. The dramatic 34-30 win was seen as a turning point in Venables’ tenure and reasserted OU’s relevance on the national stage.
The 2023 regular season wrapped up with a resounding 69-45 win over TCU, showcasing the team’s offensive explosiveness and depth. However, the Sooners fell short in the Alamo Bowl, losing to Arizona and ending the season on a sour note.
Still, the overall body of work during Venables’ second year offered plenty of reasons for optimism. The team improved markedly on defense and found stability at quarterback after an uneven 2022 season.
With Oklahoma’s move to the SEC now official, expectations are sky-high. The Sooners face a gauntlet of a schedule that includes road games at Ole Miss, Missouri, and LSU. The annual clash with Texas remains a neutral-site fixture.
At home, fans will be treated to marquee matchups against Alabama and Tennessee—two of the premier programs in the SEC. These games will serve as a litmus test for where Oklahoma stands in the new-look conference.
Aiding Oklahoma’s transition into the SEC are two of the nation’s top defensive talents: linebacker Danny Stutsman and safety Billy Bowman Jr. Both are expected to play critical roles in establishing a physical identity.
The presence of elite defensive players is emblematic of Venables’ philosophy. A former linebacker himself, he has long prioritized aggressive, technically-sound defense as the cornerstone of championship teams.
The commitment to Venables extends beyond just the head coach. On Friday, running backs coach DeMarco Murray and defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis were also rewarded with improved contracts.
Both assistants received raises and an additional year on their contracts, ensuring they remain part of the Sooners’ staff through the 2026 season. The moves demonstrate continuity and stability within the program.
Murray, a former Oklahoma star running back, has been instrumental in player development and recruiting. His connection to the university and work ethic have made him a rising star in the coaching ranks.
Chavis, one of Venables’ trusted defensive assistants, has played a vital role in building the defensive line and instilling the mentality needed for SEC competition.
These revised deals for key assistants follow contract extensions signed just six months earlier, in January, which also came with improved terms. The latest moves reinforce Oklahoma’s willingness to invest heavily in its football infrastructure.
Overall, the contract extensions and staff continuity represent Oklahoma’s aggressive approach to competing at the highest level in the SEC. It’s clear the administration is all-in on Venables and the vision he brings.
As the Sooners prepare for their debut in the SEC, all eyes will be on how Venables navigates the challenges ahead. With a top recruiting class, experienced leadership, and deep institutional support, Oklahoma appears poised for a new era of success.
Venables’ story is far from over, but with a long-term deal and the full backing of the university, he now has the tools to shape Oklahoma football for years to come.
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