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Eli Lederman
NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma coach Brent Venables carried a somber tone. Disappointed. Embarrassed. An unsmiling Venables had plenty of words to describe a disastrous 2024 football season in the minutes after last December’s Armed Forces Bowl, which ended in a nail-biting 21-20 defeat to Navy. This marked a disappointing chapter for the Sooners, having dropped six of their final eight games in a highly anticipated SEC debut. For the second time since 1998—and the second time under Venables—the Sooners would finish with a losing record.
Three seats to Venables’ left, veteran Sooners linebacker Kobie McKinzie sensed a shift. In a nearly empty locker room at TCU’s Amon G. Carter Stadium, Venables discussed the future with an intensity that was palpable. “He looked me in my eyes and told me, ‘We’re going to be all right,'” McKinzie recalled after a recent practice, noting the coach’s eagerness to dive into solutions. It was a moment filled with commitment and resolve.
Venables left the Armed Forces Bowl on the hot seat, but a month later, he made a pivotal announcement: he would take over as the Sooners’ defensive playcaller for the 2025 season. This decision was a critical move in a make-or-break year in Norman, and as No. 8 Oklahoma heads into its first College Football Playoff appearance since 2019, it stands as one of the most consequential offseason decisions in college football this year.
Venables, known for his knack for disguising blitzes and overwhelming quarterbacks, seems to be transforming the Sooners’ defense back to its former glory. As the season progresses, it has become evident that this approach is paying off, dispelling early doubts about his coaching future. Venables is not just a figure on the sidelines; he is back doing what he loves best—coaching defense.
“Everything’s just different for you when you’re calling it,” Venables told ESPN, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with his role. “You live and die in the course of the week.” This deep connection to his defensive unit is vital, and it has resonated with players who see how deeply he cares about their performance.
The results have been impressive: entering the postseason ranked in the top 10 nationally in points allowed (13.9 per game), total defense (273.9 YPG), and run defense (81.4 YPG). Additionally, Oklahoma’s 41 sacks are tied for the national lead, and they’ve recorded more tackles for loss than any other team in the country (115).
Venables’ defense has eclipsed expectations, stifling formidable opponents like Auburn, LSU, and Tennessee on their path to the College Football Playoff. Yet, no victory looms larger than the nail-biting win against Alabama on November 15, a defensive masterclass that culminated in a thrilling 23-21 finish, pushing Oklahoma closer to its playoff aspirations.
Venables never wavered in his confidence or determination despite the challenges of the recent past. He stressed the importance of utilizing his trusted defensive core while fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the coaching staff. This “always-on-the-attack” mentality distinguishes his current unit from those of previous seasons.
Venables’ previous experience as a defensive coordinator has shaped his approach to playcalling. After a series of transitions among coordinators, this fall marked a return to his roots. By taking full control, he has revitalized his coaching philosophy, utilizing his signature defensive mind to create a more effective strategy that has translated into exceptional performance on the field.
Players, including All-SEC safety Peyton Bowen, have started to feel the impacts of Venables’ hands-on approach. The consistency in play calling has led to smoother operations in communication during games, alleviating confusion that sometimes arose when decisions were split among different coordinators.
McKinzie recalls how Venables possesses an uncanny ability to recall details about offensive formations and plays, reinforcing the notion that he is a “great one” in the realm of coaching. This depth of knowledge has fostered an environment where player confidence flourishes, as they feel prepared and informed.
The presence of the “Dog Pound,” Oklahoma’s respected defensive line, has been another crucial component of their success. With significant contributions from several players, the unit is thriving, demonstrating remarkable depth and resilience. The healthy competition within the line has propelled Oklahoma to achieve national leads in both sacks and tackles for loss, reminiscent of Venables’ prior triumphs at Clemson.
The Old-school tactics of Venables, particularly his ability to adjust strategies mid-game, have proven invaluable during this season. His knack for halftime adjustments has notably led to a significant drop in points allowed after the break, showcasing the effectiveness of his pre- and post-game strategies.
This season’s defensive statistics affirm Venables’ talent. Oklahoma’s defense has excelled in the second half of games, holding opponents to an average of just 7.4 points, which ranks fifth nationally. Such results highlight his acumen for tailoring strategies to match the strengths and weaknesses of opposing offenses.
As Oklahoma prepares for another showdown with Alabama in the playoff rematch, Venables’ accumulated wisdom from past encounters remains an asset. His experiences from previous matchups provide insights that players and coaches alike can harness to deliver another exceptional performance against a familiar foe.
Venables’ passion for the game is palpable, reflected in his energetic demeanor and strategic insights. His approach not only inspires individual players but rejuvenates the entire program as the Sooners aim for championship success in December. This unique blend of tradition, transformation, and tenacity characterizes a season laden with promise amidst the challenges of a new college football landscape.