Brent Venables is currently a very busy man in Norman. It’s January 2026, and the University of Oklahoma football head coach is fresh off a season that basically silenced every skeptic who claimed the Sooners weren’t built for the SEC.
If you’d asked fans a year ago, the mood was different. 2024 was rough. A 6-7 finish in their SEC debut felt like a punch to the gut for a program that treats winning like a birthright. But 2025 changed the math. A 10-3 record and a trip to the College Football Playoff—even with a 34-24 first-round loss to Alabama—proved that Venables isn't just a defensive mastermind; he’s a program builder.
The SEC Reality Check and the 2025 Pivot
People forget how much pressure was on this staff. Moving to the SEC wasn't just about a change in jersey patches; it was a total identity overhaul. In 2024, the offensive line got bullied. The defense had flashes but couldn't get off the field in the fourth quarter. It looked like the "Big 12 style" was failing.
Then came the pivot.
Venables did something most head coaches are too proud to do: he took back the defensive play-calling. Honestly, it saved the season. The 2025 defense finished No. 6 in defensive efficiency. They weren't just "good for Oklahoma"; they were arguably the best unit in the conference for a solid stretch.
💡 You might also like: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
Why 2026 Looks Even Better
Success in modern college football is about two things: keeping your stars and winning the "CEO" battle. Venables just checked both boxes this month.
- The Jason Witten Hire: On January 15, 2026, Venables made waves by hiring NFL legend Jason Witten as the new tight ends coach. This isn't just a PR move. Witten brings 17 seasons of NFL experience and a "pro" mentality that resonates with recruits who want to play on Sundays.
- Roster Continuity: Convincing kicker Tate Sandell and quarterback John Mateer to return for the 2026 season is massive. Mateer, specifically, weathered a lot of "highs and lows" during his debut, but having a returning starter at QB in the SEC is basically gold.
- Transfer Portal Wins: Landing Michigan transfer Cole Sullivan and offensive lineman Harris recently shows OU is no longer just "recruiting kids"—they are sniping proven starters to fill gaps.
The University of Oklahoma Football Head Coach and the Stability Factor
Stability is a boring word until you don't have it. Look at the 2026 schedule. The SEC recently dropped the slate, and it's a gauntlet: at Michigan (non-conference), at Georgia, and the usual Red River Rivalry against Texas.
But here’s the kicker—four of the teams on OU's 2026 schedule will be breaking in new head coaches. Venables, now entering his fifth year, is officially one of the "vets" in the room. He’s under contract through 2029 with a deal worth about $51.6 million. That’s roughly $8.6 million a year. It sounds like a lot—because it is—but in a world where coaches jump ship for a 10% raise, Oklahoma has locked down a guy who actually wants to be there.
What Most People Get Wrong About "Coach V"
The common narrative is that Venables is "too intense" or "just a coordinator." You’ve heard it. People see him being held back by a "get-back coach" on the sidelines and assume he’s just a ball of energy without a plan.
📖 Related: Meaning of Grand Slam: Why We Use It for Tennis, Baseball, and Breakfast
That's a lazy take.
The real story of the University of Oklahoma football head coach is his focus on "SOUL." It’s a bit cheesy, sure, but his emphasis on "S-O-U-L Mission" (the program's player development arm) is why he didn't lose the locker room after the 6-7 disaster in 2024. Most teams would have seen a mass exodus to the portal. Instead, his leaders stayed. That culture is what allowed them to bounce back and beat No. 7 Alabama 24-3 in November 2025—a game that basically acted as the program's "we’ve arrived" party in the SEC.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Gauntlet
The honeymoon of the 10-win 2025 season is over. The 2026 schedule is, frankly, terrifying.
| Key 2026 Matchups | Location | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Ann Arbor | Huge Week 2 test against a Big Ten powerhouse. |
| Georgia | Athens | The ultimate litmus test for the OU defense. |
| Texas | Dallas | Red River is always a coin flip. |
| Ole Miss | Norman | A late-season clash with Lane Kiffin’s offense. |
Venables has the pieces. Ben Arbuckle is back as offensive coordinator, and the offensive line—long a point of criticism—is finally looking like a veteran unit. Bill Bedenbaugh is overseeing his most experienced group since 2023, which is a relief because playing at Georgia without a stone-wall front is a recipe for disaster.
👉 See also: NFL Week 5 2025 Point Spreads: What Most People Get Wrong
Actionable Takeaways for Sooners Fans
If you're tracking the program this spring, keep your eyes on these three specific areas:
- The Witten Effect: Watch how the tight ends are used in the spring game. Under Joe Jon Finley, the production stalled. If Witten can turn that position into a legitimate threat, the offense becomes 2D instead of just 1D.
- Defensive Depth: Venables is still calling the shots on defense, but he’s elevated guys like Todd Bates and Jay Valai. Look for "speed D" to be the theme of the 2026 recruiting class.
- The Michigan Prep: The Week 2 trip to Ann Arbor will define the season. If Venables can steal a win in the Big House, Oklahoma won't just be a playoff contender; they’ll be a national title favorite.
The University of Oklahoma football head coach has successfully navigated the most dangerous transition in program history. The "New Era" talk is finished. Now, it's just about winning.
Keep an eye on the upcoming 2026 spring practice reports to see how the new mid-year enrollees, particularly at linebacker, are fitting into the Venables system. Check the official SoonerSports portal for the updated spring game date, as this will be the first chance to see the Jason Witten-led tight end room in action.